Books by David F. Labaree

An analysis of the origins and development of Central High School, the first public high school in Philadelphia. Using Central as a case study, Labaree argues that the public high school is the product of the struggle between egalitarianism and meritocracy that is endemic to a democratic society.

An examination of the competing ideological traditions that have fought for dominance in American public schools since the 19th century. It considers what the social consequences are when certification and degrees become more important than the acquisition of knowledge.