The Roots of Educational Inequality: Philadelphia's Germantown High School, 1907-2014

The Roots of Educational Inequality explores the transformation of one American high school over the twentieth century to examine the political, economic, and social factors that have contributed to educational inequality in modern America. The book argues that urban schools were never funded adequately and relied on private philanthropy to subsidize a lack of government aid, which has since disappeared, exacerbating the level of educational inequality.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 03 December 2021
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press

The Roots of Educational Inequality is a captivating book that delves into the transformation of one American high school over the course of the twentieth century, seeking to understand the broader political, economic, and social factors that have contributed to the escalating educational inequality in modern America. When Germantown High School first opened its doors in 1914, Martin G. Brumbaugh, the superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, proudly proclaimed it to be one of the finest high schools in the nation. Situated in a suburban neighborhood in Philadelphia's northwest corner, the school provided Germantown youth with a top-notch education and the necessary credentials to secure a prosperous future. However, almost a century later, in 2013, William Hite, the city's superintendent, announced that Germantown High was one of thirty-seven schools slated for closure due to low academic achievement. This drastic transformation raises important questions about how a school, like many others serving low-income students of color, could undergo such a significant shift.

Erika M. Kitzmiller, the author of The Roots of Educational Inequality, skillfully weaves the story of a single high school into the history of its local community, city, and nation. Through a fresh and longitudinal examination that combines deep archival research and spatial analysis, Kitzmiller challenges conventional narratives that suggest American high schools have steadily declined from pillars of success to institutions of failure. Instead, this work demonstrates that educational inequality has been deeply embedded in our nation's urban high schools since their inception.

The book makes a compelling argument that urban schools have never received adequate funding. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, urban school districts have struggled to generate the tax revenues required to operate their schools. Instead of raising taxes, these school districts relied on private philanthropy from families and corporations. While this approach may have been sufficient in the past, it has gradually eroded over time, leading to a decline in the quality of education provided to urban students.

Furthermore, The Roots of Educational Inequality highlights the impact of systemic racism on educational outcomes. The book argues that urban schools have been disproportionately affected by discriminatory policies and practices, such as redlining, segregation, and underfunding. These factors have created a cycle of poverty and inequality that has persisted for generations, limiting the opportunities available to students from marginalized communities.

The book also sheds light on the role of education reform in addressing educational inequality. While there have been numerous efforts to improve the quality of education in urban schools, many of these initiatives have failed to address the root causes of the problem. Kitzmiller suggests that education reform should focus on addressing the systemic issues that contribute to educational inequality, such as inadequate funding, systemic racism, and the lack of access to quality education.

In conclusion, The Roots of Educational Inequality is a thought-provoking and important book that provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors that have contributed to the escalation of educational inequality in modern America. By examining the transformation of one American high school over the course of the twentieth century, the book challenges conventional narratives and sheds light on the systemic issues that must be addressed to create a more equitable and inclusive education system. This work is a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the challenges facing urban schools and the broader social and economic factors that shape educational outcomes.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780812253566