Describes how a group of teachers, librarians, and other citizens, concerned about attacks on curriculum and public education itself, formed a grass-roots group called Michigan for Public Education to advocate educational equality and excellence. Describes how they got started, why people got involved, and what they have learned. Offers…

Gilbert Grosvenor, editor of "National Geographic," is interviewed about the importance of geography for Americans. He claims our lack of geographic knowledge impedes our ability to act and compete in the world market as a world power and points out that geographic ignorance extends to people employed at high levels of government. (MD)

This book offers the strategies and techniques that administrators, the board of education, and a group of volunteers in one school district utilized in a successful 15-month referendum battle. The book has 16 chapters. Chapter 1 examines trends, voter attitudes, and facing reality. Chapter 2 outlines the basics for starting a referendum, and…

Focusing on the need to restore public confidence in the American educational system, this manual presents ideas, information, and strategies to assist educators in developing and improving school-community relations. It contains 160 short instructional outlines organized into 9 units: (1) Basic Concepts of Home-School-Community Relations; (2)…

Considers how the concept of "literacy," especially intensified by the current conservative political climate, has been falsely reified as a clearly distinct "thing" that can be taught and tested in simple and standardized ways. Identifies literacy competencies as "subrosa literacy" and describes detailed performances of these abilities (including…

Notes that it is important for educators to remember to avoid battles with critics who tie up and wear down educators with arguing--not arguments--because it drains limited time and energy and pulls them away from more important things like working with children. Suggests that it is more effective to prepare a thoughtful, reflective response…

Argues against the current trends in giving importance to subjective values in educational administration, particularly the argument that attention to subjective values can overcome the perceived irrelevance of scientific administration and organization theory and help administrators make better decisions. (MD)

Discusses one teacher's experience in helping a student in that student's literacy development. Considers this in terms of a "career awareness activity." Discusses the presentation of "literacy as commodity," and defining a student by what part of themselves they can "sell." (SG)

Former Senator S.I. Hayakawa discusses his constitutional amendment that would establish English as the official national language of the United States. He discusses his concerns over bilingual education, stressing a belief that it should be chosen freely by local school authorities and that bilingual programs must be transitional, transfering…

Outlines the results of a survey of seven school dictricts whose tax referenda failed. Includes a list of 40 reasons why districts lose in tax votes. (MD)

Teachers should examine classroom questions, assignments, and activities to determine if any of them actually violate rights of student and family privacy. Lists an example of classroom questions that signal possible invasion of privacy, and guidelines for invasion of privacy charges. (MLF)

Discusses the author's experiences in learning about the whole-language approach. Suggests that whole language is not so much about method or philosophy as it is about power. Offers five suggestions for administrators and teacher educators to help teachers explore the possibilities of whole language. (RS)

Advises school superintendents who sit at the negotiating table to develop personal detachment and remain quiet if the session is open to the public. Quotes several collective bargaining experts who say school boards are courting disaster if they allow superintendents to negotiate with teacher unions. (MLF)

The National Association of Independent Schools defines high standards and ethical behavior for independent school operations. Professional admission procedures include maintaining confidentiality. Business officers' responsibilities can range from being accountable to the school head to participating in professional assistance associations. Fund…

Presents the positive benefits to be gained from diversifying the public school system and allowing a wider choice in school selection. Outlines the problems that would ensue from establishing an educational voucher system. Choice enhances teacher quality, student achievement, parent involvement, and public confidence in schools. (MD)