SLUMS AND SUBURBS: A Commentary on Schools in the Metropolitan Area

The author contrasts schools in the suburbs with those in large city slums and his basic conclusion seems sound enough that schools must differ in order to serve special communities and that variation in achievement on the part of pupils is largely conditioned by home environment. Contrary to many educators, Conant pleads for ability grouping and individualized programs. He notes the revolution in schools historically and stresses the importance of a frank approach to today's problem. His views should open the eyes of many with little knowledge on the subject.