The most reader friendly text in its field, the ninth edition presents a comprehensive overview of education in America. It provides in-depth commentary on educational history, philosophy, and governance, while giving special attention to current critical topics such as the changing federal role in educational finance.Newly revised for this edition, Chapter 4 (Life in School and at Home) now includes obesity, eating disorders, and a revised section on poverty. A major revision of Chapter 5, now titled Reforming America's Schools, includes updates from the stimulus plan based on new reports on federal programs and new funding formulas. Chapter 6 on Curriculum, Standards and Testing has a new section on emerging trends in the curriculum.