This book explains the origins of the low expectations we have of children, including, notably, children of color, those for whom English is a second language, poor children and children with disabilities. The book dispels the basis for low expectations and makes clear the economic, demographic, civic, personal, and moral imperative to educate all children to high standards and the consequences of not doing so.

David W. Hornbeck has spent 42 years as an educator, community organizer, and activist, serving as Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, Philadelphia Superintendent of Schools, and chair of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, the Carnegie Corporation's Commission on the Education of Early Adolescents, the Children's Defense Fund, the Council of Chief State School Officers, the National Chapter I Commission, and the Public Education Network. Katherine Conner spent her career in the School District of Philadelphia, as a teacher, teacher coach, and administrator, finishing as Associate Superintendent for Standards, Assessment, and Social Services.

Part 1 Where There's the Will: Core Premises Built on Our Values Chapter 2 The Power of Expectations Chapter 3 The Origins of Low Expectations Chapter 4 All Children Can Learn to High Standards Chapter 5 All Children Must Learn to High Expectations Chapter 6 We Know How to Make All Schools Effective: Children Achieving and Philadelphia Outcomes Chapter 7 Standards Chapter 8 Assessment Chapter 9 Accountability Chapter 10 Quality for Teachers Chapter 11 Quality School Leadership Chapter 12 Promising School Strategies (Part I): Instruction Chapter 13 Promising School Strategies (Part II): Non-Instructional Chapter 14 Resources Chapter 15 The Choices We Make Determine School Effectiveness Chapter 16 The Public Will to Make Diffferent Choices Chapter 17 Walk the Walk: Choosing Excellence and Equity in Public Education