Race, Ethnicity, and Education Policy

Abstract

Race and ethnicity are deeply and intricately entwined with the policies, politics, and outcomes of schooling in the United States. But scholars surprisingly seldom agree on just what the problems are with regard to race in schooling, or on explanations for and solutions to these problems. This chapter reviews many of the ways in which race and ethnicity are connected to education -- including attainment, achievement, desegregation, school choice, the distinctive issues in urban schools, and other domains. We offer no new solutions of our own, but conclude by noting the importance of reconsidering the boundaries around racial groups and reconsidering the common assumption that there is a unified group interest among blacks, Latinos, or Asian Americans.

Keywords: schools, race, ethnicity, education reform, achievement, class, school choice