This is Fresh Air. I'm Dave Davies. In the 1970s, federal courts ordered school districts

around the country to desegregate their schools by busing students from one community to another,

generating heated opposition from parents who opposed integration and embraced the idea of

neighborhood schools. But one city in Ohio implemented a busing plan without a court order.

For decades, Shaker Heights, a suburban community just outside Cleveland,

has had a national reputation as a leader of integration.

It's maintained a strong balance of black and white residents,

and its school system has a reputation for excellence, enriching its curriculum with advanced

programs and sending large numbers of students to elite universities. But our guest Washington Post

National Education writer Laura Mechler writes in a new book that while it's true Shaker Heights

schools are racially balanced, there are large achievement gaps between black and white students.

Mechler's new book is an intimate look at the experience of Shaker Heights struggles with

racial equity and educational challenges, told through the stories of teachers, students,

parents, administrators, and community leaders. Mechler brings special interest and insight

to the task. She grew up in Shaker Heights and attended public schools there from grade school

through high school. Before joining the Washington Post, Laura Mechler reported for the Wall Street

Journal and the Associated Press. She's earned a host of journalistic honors, including a George

Polk Award. Her new book is Dream Town, Shaker Heights and the Quest for Racial Equity. Laura Mechler

welcome to fresh air. I'm so happy to be with you Dave. Let's talk a little bit about Shaker Heights,

you know, it's known as a beautiful community. It's been around a long time, elegant homes, and

it's nice not by accident. You know, it's settled on land that was originally inhabited by

the religious sect, the Shakers in the 19th century. It eventually ended. And the modern

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