pt. 1. Understanding the teaching profession. Motivation, preparation, and conditions for the entering teacher ; The teaching profession -- pt. 2. Historical and philosophical foundations. World roots of American education ; Pioneers of teaching and learning ; Historical development of American education ; Philosophical roots of education -- pt. 3. Political, economic, and legal foundations. Governing and administering public education ; Financing public education ; Legal aspects of education -- pt. 4. Social foundations. Culture, socialization, and education ; Social class, race, and school achievement ; Providing equal educational opportunity -- pt. 5. Curricular foundations. The changing purposes of American education ; Curriculum and instruction -- pt. 6. Effective education: international and American perspectives. International education ; School effectiveness and return in the United States -- Glossary.