Reviews 11 books that consider the politics of school reform. (MLF)

California voters rejected Proposition 174, the "Parental Choice in Education" initiative, by a margin of seven to three. Estimated cost of the campaign, a week before the election, was $20.l million. Despite the defeat, Americans for School Choice, a national organization, has announced plans to launch voucher proposals in 25 states by…

In Massachusetts; Washington D.C.; New York City; Chicago; Baltimore; Cleveland; and a host of other big cities, challenges to both elected and appointed local school boards have become commonplace in the last year. Discusses the situation in Chicago. (MLF)

Faced with an alarming number of adolescents at risk for developing AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, school systems are tackling the controversial issue of making condoms available in schools. Three Canadian districts have installed condom machines. (MLF)

According to Tom Olson, director of public affairs for U.S. English, the group plans to launch three federal initiatives in 1989: (1) reforms for bilingual education; (2) reintroduction of the English language amendment; and (3) a federal program that would encourage businesses to offer English classes in the workplace. (MLF)

The superintendent claims an advanced placement (AP) European history course was eliminated and an AP course in comparative government was added to provide a little more coherence, not to create a multicultural approach. A parents' committee claims they formed over the issue of academic rigor, not multiculturalism. (MLF)

Reviews eight books that address the issues of democratic governance. Includes a historic look at democratic leadership; a history of multicultural America; and the view that the humanities, as taught in school, have become deeply politicized. Other topics are a historical defense of bilingual education, population changes and educational policy,…

"Impressions," a K-6 reading series that is a lavishly illustrated anthology of fairy tales, poems, and classic children's literature has been the target of conservative religious groups. Other books and programs have also been actively opposed. School boards need sound policies for dealing with challenges to the curriculum and the…

In two years, Cuban-born Superintendent Peter Negroni has worked tirelessly to make the Springfield (Massachusetts) Public Schools a showcase for innovation and school reform. In whirlwind fashion, he has built bridges to the city's business, religious, and social service communities, introduced school-based management to all 40 district schools,…

Over the past 5 years, 6 states and an estimated 100 local communities have established youth apprenticeship systems; 8 other states have passed legislation that could include apprenticeship programs; proposed federal legislation would fund state and local programs. Critics cite costs, the fear of diverting resources from existing school programs,…

Merrimack (New Hampshire) is only one school system in the headlines over the twin issues of what schools should teach about homosexuality and what support they should offer gay and lesbian youth. Sidebars highlight school districts that have received media attention because of their policies on homosexuality and offer suggestions for boards…

President-elect Bill Clinton's ambitious education program involves development of world-class standards in mathematics, English, and science; increased federal funding for Head Start and Chapter 1 programs; an overhaul of the student loan program, creation of a national apprenticeship program; and radical decentralization of schools. Sidebars…

Led by Chicago Public Schools, many districts have adopted strict retention and promotion policies, often abandoning social-promotion programs that pushed students ahead with their peers regardless of achievement. Research shows that grade repetition is a strong predictor for dropping out. Summer, weekend, and transitional programs are partly…