In this essay teachers, school curriculum and their relationship to the society they serve and the community in which they function are discussed. Since educational institutions serve a regulatory function, what goes on in schools mirrors the interests of the status quo in the society. Therefore the question facing educators and community people is not whether schools should reflect the society but rather: (1) What are the interests that educational institutions reflect? (2) What are the manifestations of that reflection? and (3) Can the society and its educational institutions transform themselves? American society is organized to represent the interests of a capitalistic ruling class and schools serve the interests of the ruling class. The manner in which they have accomplished this purpose has changed as the demands of ruling class interests have altered. Teachers and schools can play a progressive role in transforming the society. The first task of the school as part of a community is to begin to make cultural criticism the basis of its curriculum and its instructional program. An examination of school policies and practices is filled with possibilities for curriculum development if teachers learn to use them. (Author/AM)