Finding Ones Place

In this seminal new work, Stephen Plank expertly navigates us through the wake of one school district’s attempt to desegregate its schools according to socioeconomic status. Drawing from his rich study of ten fourth-grade classrooms, Plank uncovers the ways that teachers’ leadership styles, tasks, and reward structures affect students’ peer relations. The synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data is especially creative, as are the practical implications presented here for administrators and teachers who want to encourage participation and well-being among students in heterogeneous classrooms. This informative book is crucial reading for anyone who cares about the inherent difficulties and rewards of achieving school reform and social justice.