In this study, Janice Hale critiques existing initiatives for improving the education of African American children. She maintains that the current focus of school reform is not very effective and offers other strategies.

Mastery and excellence versus the bell curve -- Playing by the rules -- African American goals and closed doors -- Down the up escalator -- Twenty-first-century education project : report and recommendations -- A model for culturally appropriate pedagogy -- The role of the African American church in creating the village -- Where do we go from here? : a call to action -- Appendix: The church's education and advocacy mission with African American children : cognitive, affective, and religious context.