History, Education, and the Schools

In his latestinvestigation of how history helps illuminate contemporary concerns about the nature and character of America's schools, William Reeseexplores the rise of public schools in the nineteenth century, the evolution of private school alternatives, and ongoing debates about modern schooling and reform.Americans have long invested considerable time, energy, and emotion in their schools, both private and public, andReese's historical overviewhelps explain why.

William J. Reese is Professor of Educational Policy Studies, History, and European Studies, the University of Wisconsin-Madison.