Americans agree that education needs reforming in this country--but after t hat, agreement ceases. The forces of diversity square off against those pus hing cultural unity. The call for a national curriculum clashes with a call to decentralize school authority. This book brings a measured voice and fr esh perspective to the educational maelstrom. Considering the debate from t he perspective of constitutional law, Toni Marie Massaro offers a remarkabl y fair and lucid account of both sides, of their historical antagonism, and of what is at stake in the contest over the soul of America's schools. At the same time, she moves to break through the current impasse by offering t he first principles of a curriculum mindful of all concerns.