This paper analyzes some of the causes of urban educational problems. The major focus is on poverty, racial isolation, and the educational bureaucracy. These factors are discussed in some detail. In a section devoted to attempts to change the educational situation several avenues and approaches are presented. Most crucial is the broadening of attendance areas to promote effective school desegregation. Also important are such remedies for educational improvement as team teaching, a nongraded system, flexible scheduling, independent study, a continuous progress curriculum, and flexible facilities. However, the major obstacle to change is the deeply entrenched bureaucracies and power structures in urban school systems and in city politics. (NY)