Educator and author Mike Rose discusses and reads from his book “Possible Lives: The Promise of Public Education in America”. Rose focuses his discussion on public school educators that utilize innovative teaching methods to create inclusive environments for all students. Studs plays “Johnny Cuckoo” - Bessie Jones & Group (1961).

Lois Wille caused an uproar with the story she wrote for the Chicago Daily News, "Inside a Slum High School." According to Wille's investigation, a lack of money, over crowding of students, lights that don't work in the school and no books were among some of the problems that Wille found at Crane High School. Students also had a pessimistic view, explained Wille, as she found students didn't believe the teachers and counselors cared what theyd do after they got out of high school but they just wanted them to get out and leave Crane.

With his book, "Savage Inequalities: Children in America's Schools," Jonathan Kozol spent time in six different schools and concluded that the school systems are no better off than 20 years ago. Kozol learned from the Black school children that they don't matter. One young boy said he goes to an old and decrepit school because he's seen as ugly.

E.R. Braithwaite, Guyanese-born British-American novelist, writer, teacher and diplomat discusses his writing and career. The interview opens with Mr. Braithwaite, reading from his book "Reluctant neighbors".

Prologue Alternative High School is a not-for-profit community-based organization that operates three alternative high schools in Chicago.