The Shame of the Nation

The book explores the alarming resurgence of segregation in education since the 1980s, highlighting the impact of federal court decisions on black children's schooling. It critiques the use of prison-like behavioral control methods in inner-city schools and examines the detrimental effects of high-stakes testing, which has led to a decline in liberal education. The narrative underscores the stark contrast between the educational experiences of marginalized students and those in mainstream schools, emphasizing the need for reform in teaching practices.