This article argues that reading levels, a seemingly neutral aspect of literacy instruction of neoliberal schooling, initiate students into the symbolic templates of capitalism. I explore young children's effects, relations, and interpretation of the field of meanings surrounding reading levels and grades in a kindergarten classroom in the U.S. I…

This paper provides examples of how a teacher and a principal construct their "ethical selves". In doing so we demonstrate how Foucault's four-part ethical framework can be a scaffold with which to actively connect emotions to a personal ethical position. We argue that ethical work is and should be an ongoing and dynamic life long process rather…

Examining motivational variables may prove to be particularly fruitful towards our understanding of classroom processes, student behaviors and school outcomes. The present study examined the role of personal and contextual goals (goals and goal structures) towards explaining social relationships (peer, teacher-student and home-school). 1493 fifth…

This paper begins with a consideration of some important themes dealt with in the paper by Treagust and Duit. These include the relationship between research on conceptual change and educational practice, the significance of emotion and identity in the process of conceptual change, and role of cognitive conflict in motivating change. I then argue…

This paper examines the selection and influence of friends in schools which differ in the degree of "openness" in the instructional program. Data collected from over 4,000 students in grades 5, 6, 8, and 11 in 1973 and 1974 provide information on student characteristics, school structure and processes, and academic and affective outcomes for…