This innovative new program for the Foundations of Education course combines traditional coverage of the history, philosophy, and sociology of education with content for multicultural education courses, examining the wide diversity of classrooms across the US. In addition to blending these important perspectives, the text examines the interrelationship between the history and structure of the American education system, the changing nature of the teaching profession, and the socio-cultural factors influencing education. The author considers foundational themes from a critical theory perspective. Often, preservice teachers lack the basic understanding of why inequities exist in today's schools. They are unaware of the historical events that put a system in place and are not empowered with strategies to address these issues once they enter a classroom. Providing students with this important background information, this text's goal is to enable teachers to help every child fulfill his or her potential.