The Ambitious Generation; America`s Teenagers, Motivated but Directionless

Contrary to prevailing notions, today's teenagers are the most ambitious generation yet. But they are also misdirected and often feel alone and very alienated. The authors of this landmark study of 7000 teenagers offer practical, specific advice about how parents and teachers can better direct and support adolescents in their efforts to achieve their dreams of success.

Barbara Schneider is professor of sociology at the University of Chicago and senior social scientist at the National Opinion Research Center. She currently is the co-director of the Alfred P. Sloan Center on Parents, Children, and Work David Stevenson served as a senior adviser to the deputy secretary of education, as the assistant director for social and behavioral sciences in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and as the deputy director of the National Council on Education Standards and Testing. He also held research and teaching positions at the University of Chicago, Stanford University, and Oberlin College