Forward to the Past

Most observers agree that even if neighborhood schools prove to be a bust in narrowing the achievement gap between whites and minorities and between affluent and poor kids, it could take years before busing--or something altogether new--is tried. And that day may never come.

"Busing as we've known it, for the explicit purpose of integration, is done," Milliner says. "We need to understand this environment and look toward long-term solutions. This is just bricks and mortar along the way. Can we make it work? Yes. Do we have the political will to make it work? Question mark.