The most reader friendly text in its field, the ninth edition presents a comprehensive overview of education in America. It provides in-depth commentary on educational history, philosophy, and governance, while giving special attention to current critical topics such as the changing federal role in educational finance. Newly revised for this edition, Chapter 4 (Life in School and at Home) now includes obesity, eating disorders, and a revised section on poverty. A major revision of Chapter 5, now titled Reforming America's Schools, includes updates from the stimulus plan based on new reports on federal programs and new funding formulas. Chapter 6 on Curriculum, Standards and Testing has a new section on emerging trends in the curriculum.