It is nice to believe that simple answers can achieve high quality solutions to the dilemmas in American public education. When faced with something as complex as preventing students from falling through the cracks or becoming off track for completing their education, the urge is to oversimplify the problems and the educational profession. Public education is moving in a perilous direction. It appears that just about everyone thinks they know what to prescribe for public education. In reality, we are talking about the development of complicated, individual human beings, and their ability to learn in equitable, healthy ways. The book will help comprehend reasons why children continue to lag behind, and take an in depth look at how to intervene and provide policies and support to help students and teachers succeed. The purpose of this book is to shed more light on the complexities and possibilities of yielding better answers, especially when executing justifiable, equitable change in education.

Dr. Smith- Collins analyzes educational policies, trends, solutions, and innovations that are intended to improve the state of public education. She applies practical experience, educational expertise and knowledge to translate implications for schools, families, communities, educators, and students.