A Reflection on the Elephant in the Classroom Gentrification is the transformation of blighted neighborhoods into more prosperous neighborhoods through the renovation and reconstruction of homes and schools. Many large cities in the United States have "a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create large numbers of racially and socioeconomically integrated schools." (Stillman, 2013, p. 37) This article discusses the effect of gentrification by groups of predominantly white, upper middle class, highly educated families on different urban schools that primarily serve the poor and minority population. Before reading this article, I considered this to be a fabulous opportunity that many people would be excited about and have high hopes for. If a group of people tried to help improve a neighborhood and its educational environment, the result could only be positive. I was right that gentrification is an opportunity that many people are excited about. While many gentrifiers were initially enthusiastic about this initiative, once within the integrated framework, reality set in and many de facto...