In recent years, the American educational system has become the object of professional criticism, public speculation, and extensive studies. In 1983, the Department of Education released the results of its own study of the condition of American education in A Nation at Risk. This study, now considered one of the premier exposes on the condition of education, has so impacted educational circles that the “at risk” phrase from the book’s title has become a buzzword in educational jargon. Academic testing prior to the comprehensive report clearly indicated that educational standards and achievements were slipping. But why? In this comprehensive assessment of the American educational crisis, David Barton takes a fresh look at the Department of Education’s report and the many theories offered by educational specialist as to why American scholastics are slipping. He comes to some surprising conclusions and offers tips on how to reverse this unfortunate trend.