The authors discuss the history of American education and its goals in a democratic society. The nature of the criticisms of public education and the motivations of the critics are examined. The final section includes an analysis of the significance of the public education system's possible demise, a suggested plan of action for the improvement of public education, and a Guerrilla Handbook which offers suggestions for parents wishing to secure the best possible public education for their children.

John Dewey said What the best and wisest parent wants for his own child, that must the community want for all its children. Any other idea for our schools is narrow and unlovely; acted upon, it destroys our democracy. The authors argue that the nation's public schools must be serious about demanding equal educational opportunities without regard for affluence level, religious background, race, gender, or ethnicity.