ABSTRACT
Schools have come under increasing scrutiny in recent years. In the United
States, the focus has largely been on the perceived failings of urban schools in
serving poor children. A host of remedies have been proposed, including char-
ter schools, school reorganization, vouchers permitting children in failing pub-
lic schools to attend private academies, tougher standards, and so on. The
premise of much public debate is that schools develop skills that are essential
for economic success. Consequently, schools that do not foster this expertise in
children are failing in their responsibilities. No doubt the collection of skills
valued in the workplace must be transmitted to youth, and the failure to do so
cripples the financial life prospects ofmany youth in urban areas (see Jencks&
Phillips, 1998, for a discussion).
