Outside in: Minorities and the Transformation of American Education

To understand the role that schools, especially public schools, play in our social consciousness, the progress of ``outsiders'' through the educational system bears examination, notes Fass, professor of history at UC Berkeley. The experience of special groups--immigrants, blacks, women, Catholics and others--is examined at problematic periods in their schooling, and in Fass's view may be emblematic of the historical tension that has characterized American education throughout the 20th century. After an overview of progressive education vis a vis pluralism, a survey of ethnic students in seven New York City high schools is presented. A unique feature of the survey of students during the 1930s and '40s is the correlation Fass draws between ethnic group and extracurricular activities as delineated in school year-books. This research, original and compelling, although not for general readers, is a contribution to the professional literature of American education. (Aug.)