The Arc of Educational Change

Book excerpt: The Arc of Educational Change places American educational history into a realistic, modern historical context that recognizes both the importance of collaboration as well as the role of individuals who traditionally have been excluded from our educational narrative. These include women, African Americans, immigrants and working people. At a time when individualism has come to dominate our world and we often celebrate the accomplishments of the great figures of the past and present, we sometimes forget that cooperation, collaboration, and networking have always been at the heart of progress, change and improvement of our social order, our economy, and our educational system. The Arc of Educational Change provides a balanced perspective of American educational history that recognizes both the important role of individuals as well as a diverse set of collaborators who helped promote equity, inclusion, and justice in our schools.