Democratic Schools

In "Democratic Schools," you'll see how educators in four communities in the United States have committed themselves to preparing students for the democratic way of life. Editors Michael Apple and James Beane have gathered here narratives written by those intimately involved in each school reform effort. These stories of change attest to the power of people working together to overcome difficulties and achieve common goals in creative ways.

At a time when the viability of public schools is being questioned by many, the schools in this book--Central Park East Secondary School, the Rindge School of Technical Arts, Marquette Middle School, and La Escuela Fratney--remind us that public schools play an important role in laying a firm foundation for our future as a democratic society. Being themselves living models of democratic principles in action, these schools help young people comprehend the meaning of active citizenship and teach them the knowledge and skills they need to sustain and enrich our democracy.

Michael W. Apple is John Bascom Professor of Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Policy Studies, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA. James Beane is Professor in the National College of Education, National Louis University, Evanston, Illinois, USA.