"A ScarecrowEducation book."

Includes bibliographical references.

Myth 1: the best school for my child is the one with the highest standardized test scores -- Myth 2: one style of school leadership will work in every school -- Myth 3: the best teachers prefer homogeneous middle-class schools -- Myth 4: diverse schools can't provide rigorous classes -- Myth 5: diverse schools are not safe -- Myth 6: family beliefs and values will be threatened if we expose our youth to people with different perspectives -- Myth 7: minority parents don't care about their children's education -- School reality 1: students with different backgrounds and experiences bring new insights to the classroom -- School reality 2: students who closely interact with people from different backgrounds learn that reality extends beyond their own limited experiences -- School reality 3: stereotypes and prejudice break down when students have personal contact with members of other races and cultures -- Society reality 1: our youth must learn how to actively participate in a diverse national and international society -- Society reality 2: our nation's school population is becoming more diverse, but our schools are becoming more segregated -- What about schools near me? -- What's my role? -- School boards: leading their community -- Superintendents: visionaries with a collaborative spirit -- Principals: doing whatever it takes -- Teachers: reaching for every child -- Parents: the critical connection -- Students: what it's all about.