In this review, Rudolf Tippelt focuses on two central comparative educational publications that compare the English and German education systems under specific historical perspectives: (1) Lenhart V, "Die erste Schrift zur vergleichenden Erziehungswissenschaft"/"The First Treatise in Comparative Education." Fredericus Augustus…

Uses a dialogue format to critique the arguments of W. Roth and M. Tobin for a radical departure from traditional conceptions and discussions of teacher evaluation. Makes the case that before considering radical new approaches, evaluators should understand strengths and weaknesses of existing models. (SLD)

Responds to the criticism offered by M. Scriven of the call for a radical new approach to teacher evaluation made by M. Roth and K. Tobin, noting that more builders of evaluation theory are needed, especially builders of theory that can be useful as the starting point for change. (SLD)

In a recent article, D. Stewart has misrepresented the positions of some of those who view teachers as facilitators of learning. The author defines four principles that represent a sensible interpretation of facilitating learning. The idea of the teacher as facilitator actually holds great promise for improved teaching. (SLD)

This book argues that computers can revolutionize American education and resolve its problems if they are used as private tutors to provide effective, individualized instruction, especially in developing literacy. The book, located at a Web site, is characterized as unwieldy to read right from the computer. (SLD)

Data from the 1994-95 Teacher Follow-up Survey, summarized in "What Happens in Classrooms," paint a picture of teachers' instructional practices in the early days of standards-based reform. Teachers have incorporated some recommended practices, but have not decreased their conventional practices. (SLD)

Presents five reviews of McLaren's 1997 book, with comments on critical pedagogy, multicultural education, capitalism, social justice, and remarks about student responses to "Revolutionary Multiculturalism." (SLD)

Reviews three books: "The Schoolhome: Rethinking Schools for Changing Families," by Jane Martin; "Godly Play," by Jerome Berryman; and "Five Kingdoms: An Illustrated Guide to the Phyla of Life on Earth," by Margulis and Schwartz. (TJQ)

Reviews Corson's book on changes in educational strategies intended for immigrant girls, aboriginal peoples, urban poor, and language minority groups, and the way educators value student groups differently. Considers classroom suggestions for dealing with bias against nonstandard language use and the book's examination on differences in the…

The main strength of this book is that it is grounded in an array of research on school reform efforts that it combines with practical suggestions about what works and what does not. It constitutes a useful addition to the educational literature on school reform efforts; unfortunately, it lacks adequate discussions of the complex causes of…

These books are, in many ways, companion volumes addressed to educators working on curricular issues and educational reform. Both consider how postmodernism, feminism, and cultural studies contribute to contemporary educational theory and social criticism. The authors make a convincing case for critical "border pedagogy" that examines…

Reviews four books on issues and concerns surrounding kindergarten entrance requirements, assessment, and curriculum: (1) "Kindergarten Policies: What Is Best for Children" (Peck and others); (2) "Changing Kindergartens: Four Success Stories (Goffin and Stealing, Eds.); (3) "Teaching Kindergarten: A Developmentally Appropriate Approach" (Walmsley…

This volume provides the background of the Kentucky Education Reform Act and discusses the assessment and evaluation principles on which it is based. It reviews early steps in implementation of the Act's mandates, but was written before most of the battles of implementation had begun. (SLD)

"Classroom Assessment" provides a look at assessment from the bottom up in a way that acknowledges its role in the day-to-day activities of a classroom teacher. It provides insights to students in teacher education programs and faculty concerning educational measurement. Of particular interest is the discussion of standardized testing. (SLD)

Examines the extent to which the following reform proposals have students' development of critical thinking skills as their aim: (1) the National Commission on Excellence in Education's "A Nation at Risk"; (2) Ernest Boyer's "High School: A Report on Secondary Education in America"; and (3) the Carnegie Foundation for the…