This book is intended to make the reader aware of the connections between the present-day, complex world of schools and the historical, philosphical, political, and economic backdrop out of which they have emerged. Educational topics discussed in the chapters are: (1) Educational Reform: A Beginning; (2) The Personal Choice: To Teach or Not to Teach; (3) Teaching: The Nature of the Profession; (4) Historical Perspectives: Education in the Old World; (5) Historical Perspectives: Education in America; (6) Development of Educational Thought: Philosophical Perspectives; (7) Education and Schooling; (8) Society's Expectations: The Challenge to Education; (9) Contemporary Schooling Patterns; (10) Multicultural Education; (11) Accountability: How Well Are We Doing?; (12) Political Dimensions of Schooling: Federal, State, Local; (13) Finance: Who Pays the Bills? (14) Forces Influencing the Curriculum: Who Decides What is Taught? (15) Curriculum: Purpose, Patterns, and Technology; and (16) Future Directions. Supreme Court cases affecting education that were decided between 1954 and 1983 are appended. (JD)