Each chapter of this comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the social foundations of American education is followed by a companion chapter of readings designed to spark classroom discussion. The readings bring alive the social foundations topics and enhance understanding of the issues. Chapters that address human diversity, forming a national character, schooling and politics, educational reform, and the teaching profession are each immediately followed by a carefully-chosen set of journal articles and other key readings. Plentiful Discussion Questions after the readings link the readings to each topic chapter.