This collection of essays seeks to prepare educational theorists and practitioners to accept diversity as a fundamental element in all educational decision making. The collection defines diversity broadly to include differences along racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, ability, socioeconomic, language, and gender lines. Themes running throughout the collection include the reality of cultural diversity in all segments of American culture and the relationship between theory, research, and practice. Another important theme is the teacher's ability to create an environment in which differences are recognized and accepted, while simultaneously providing students with a common set of norms and values that bind students together. A foreword by Geneva Gay, and a preliminary overview by Gary Kiger and Deborah A. Byrnes provide an introduction to the book and to diversity as an educational issue. The book's seven chapters are: (1) "Addressing Race, Ethnicity, and Culture in the Classroom," by Deborah A. Byrnes; (2) "Living with Our Deepest Differences: Religious Diversity in the Classroom," by Charles H. Haynes; (3) "Ability Differences in the Classroom: Teaching and Learning in Inclusive Classrooms," by Mara Sapon-Shevin; (4) "Class Differences: Economic Inequality in the Classroom," by Ellen Davidson and Nancy Schniedewind; (5) "Language Diversity in the Classroom," by Deborah A. Byrnes and Deana Cortez; (6) "Gender Equity in the Classroom," by Beverly Hardcastle Stanford; and (7) "Diversity in the Classroom: A Checklist" by Karen Matsumoto-Grah. (AC)