Description
Book Synopsis
David Rogers uses competing sociological models of mass society to analyze the New York City school system, which he describes as a “sick bureaucracy.” The author discusses the divisive school decentralization crisis of the late 1960s and early 1970s as well as efforts by subsequent mayors to reform the system.
Trade Review'[A] thorough and important study of the immovable bureaucratic system which is threatening to destroy New York’s children.' (Christian Science Monitor) 'Rogers captures the true impotence of those who try to open a system which protects itself by drifting from crisis to crisis.' (New York Magazine) '[A] book without heroes. . . . Even the best and most civic-minded actors in this tragedy are quickly absorbed by the school machine.' (New York Times Book Review)
Table of ContentsPrologue to the Percheron Press Edition Introduction: The New York City School Struggle 1. The Failure of Desegregation: A Brief History 2. Demographic and Housing Patterns 3. The Neighborhood School Movement 4. Civil Rights Organizations 5. The White Liberals 6. The Moderates 7. The Board and Its Top Decision Makers 8. The Professional Bureaucracy 9. Administrative Controls 10. Community Relations 11. Decision Making, Administrative Styles, and Crisis Management 12. The Board of Education and New York City Government 13. Alternative Reform Strategies and Public School Systems Appendixes Bibliography Source Notes Index
