American sociologist/social psychologist and author David Goslin examines factors affecting student engagement in learning, and explores implications of his findings for educational policy and practice in elementary and secondary level schooling in the U.S. In the process, he asks why the American school system is so impervious to improvement, and identifies ways to increase the frequency and duration of situations in which young learners actively participate in the acquisition of significant intellectual skills. Written for the full range of educational professionals, government officials, and parents concerned with school reform. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)