Failing Grades expands the look at the causes of violence and failure in America's schools. By focusing on interpersonal relations among diverse groups of students, the book demonstrates how conflict and low academic achievement are the result of clashes over communication, fairness, class, and race. Readers will learn how such conflicts arise and what steps can be taken to prevent them.

This second edition contains new case studies derived from the author's experiences with students, teachers, and administrators; has a discussion of graduation rates, the achievement gap, and inadequacies of contemporary education; and contains an appendix that outlines how teachers can implement dialogues and other multicultural activities in their classes.