Wells & Crain Readings and Written Responses

I include two readings for the extra credit assignment. You may choose to answer only the first
set of questions about the introduction to the Wells and Crain book, Stepping over the Color
Line, or you can answer questions about both chapters (each set of questions is worth up to 1.5
points). Remember that you are choosing to take on this extra credit assignment. In doing so, you
are making a commitment to provide thoughtful, analytic, in-depth answers, supported by
evidence and examples. Be forewarned: I will not award points for superficial responses. I expect
your answers to be in essay format, so do not rigidly respond to the questions below; rather
weave your responses into an overall high-quality analytic essay. Please be sure to provide
specific evidence and examples (with page numbers) from the reading(s) in your answers (each
set of questions is worth up to 1.5 extra credit points).

1. Read the introduction to Wells & Crain (1997), Stepping Over the Color Line then answer
the following questions in approximately two double-spaced pages (up to 1.5 points).
What is the focus and main argument(s) of the introduction? According to Wells and
Crain, what is the notion of “the Creed” and what does it help explain? Why do whites
sometimes resist policies designed to address and compensate for past discrimination?
(give specific examples and evidence). How do Wells & Crain define discrimination and
racism? What do the authors say prevents whites from seeing that they benefit from
“group” interests? How does this chapter help us to better understand the history of
inequality in American education?

2. Read Wells & Crain, Chapter 8, “Visionary Educators,” and then answer the following
question in approximately two double-spaced pages (up to 1.5 points).
 Who are the “visionary educators”? What is the significance of the context in which they
teach and how is chapter 8 connected to the book’s introduction? Explain why and how
the “visionaries” changed their practices (give specific examples) and how their
instruction differed from the status quo. How did their innovations change learning
experiences for all students? What does this chapter teach us about the history of
education and the possibility of desegregation and reform?

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