"This comprehensive and thought-provoking collection of essays paints a robust and realistic portrait of what progressive school reform can look like in a variety of urban settings, as well as the types of change that it can bring about … This compilation contributes uniquely to the field of the history of education … [it] offers readers a solid collection of insightful essays that shine light on the way forward while exposing the realities of urban public education." — H-Net Reviews (H-Education)"A key benefit of this work is that it approaches the issues from the perspectives of all of those involved in reform movements: administrators, teachers, candidates, students, and the general public. The editors provide a balanced text that confronts the very real difficulties and rewards of urban education reform." — CHOICE"…an important contribution to the literature on how to build partnerships in urban (and other) settings that disrupt, challenge, and transform oppressive social structures." — Teacher's College Record