So much reform, so little change

the long version

This frank and courageous book explores the persistence of failure in today's urban schools. At its heart is the argument that most education policy discussions are disconnected from the daily realities of urban schools, especially those in poor and beleaguered neighborhoods. The result is that liberals and conservatives alike have spent a great deal of time pursuing questions of limited practical value in the effort to improve city schools. Yet while Charles Payne is unsparing in his exploration of the troubled recent history of urban school reform, he also describes himself as "guardedly optimistic." This book will be required for everyone interested in the plight-and the future-of urban schools. "A brilliant, thoughtful, and provocative analysis. Charles Payne shows why almost thirty years of school reform has brought so little change to urban public schools. Rooted in the reality of the Chicago Public Schools, Payne's book contains lessons that are relevant to schools everywhere."