Current debates in education--parental choice, decentralization, accountability, schools as social-center hubs, desegregation, bilingual education, the role of business, and school financing--are discussed in this outstanding volume. For each issue, Louann Bierlein examines tensions among conflicting ideals of conservatism and liberalism and tensions among the basic societal values of equity, liberty, efficiency, and excellence. The basic structure of schooling is reviewed as are the multiple lines of control. In addition, she provides an historical framework, beginning with the conscious choice by our forefathers to make education a state responsibility and ending with current discussions regarding national standards and testing as part of the America 2000 efforts. Rather than offering a single viewpoint, Bierlein draws upon the work of numerous educational scholars and political scientists representing both strong reform advocates and critics. Providing multiple sides to each topic, she equips readers--whether policy makers or students--with a foundation necessary to carefully analyze the debates.