In the tradition of Jonathan Kozol, this little (4.5x7.25") book is driven by big questions. What does it mean to be educated? How should we think about intelligence, education, and opportunity in an open society? Why is a commitment to the public sphere central to the way we answer these questions? Drawing on forty years of teaching and research in history, the psychology of learning, and the politics of education, Rose (Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, University of California-Los Angeles) addresses these issues. He decries the current narrow focus of educational policy, and calls on readers to reconsider fundamental beliefs about education. Some topics discussed are remedial education, soldiers in the classroom, and reform efforts from the business community. Vignettes from many types of school, community, and work settings show how beliefs and policies affect daily life. There is no subject index. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)