ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides an overarching perspective on the school reform movement and its attendant issues. It describes the shifts in national educational priorities and argues that the new administration's efforts are clearly toward reduced federal guidance in the area of public education and greater federal support of private schooling. The book also provides a short but powerful portrait of how the federal government can create progressive legislation for promoting and supporting public schools that can teach students to excel. It examines the major assumptions on which the practice of parental involvement in schools is based in "Improving Black Education: Perspectives on Parent Involvement." The book discuses the problem of educational access and the choices faced by blacks and the Historically Black Colleges from the perspective of student financial aid. It concludes by suggesting various actions necessary to renew the federal student financial aid system.
