A discussion of tracking, or student grouping by academic ability, looks at arguments for and against such tracking, outlines several alternatives, including cooperative learning, active teaching strategies, and extended learning time for low-achievers. It is concluded that tracking is ineffective, harmful to many, and undermines democratic…

Urban-biased perspectives have distorted debates concerning agriculture in rural schools of less developed countries (LDCs). Pervasive measurement biases have rendered women's household labor invisible in LDCs and treated their vocational preparation as inconsequential. Early American land-grant college research, education, and extension services…

Contends that the best way to learn about citizenship is by discussing real societal issues that are connected to student interests. Maintains that a democratic classroom environment also provides an opportunity for practicing civic values. Provides four guidelines for establishing community service projects in the schools. (CFR)

Reviews the origins and development of social studies. Maintains the concept of social studies was derived from the progressive period and based on a vision of a republic built on participatory citizenship. Asserts that social studies is an interpretative, ever-changing process that defies reduction to a single academic discipline. (CFR)

Reports observations of Germany's teacher education programs by an Irish teacher educator. Describes lessons on curriculum design and planning instruction. Contends that German teachers believe that education should develop self-confident, knowledgeable students who will be active participants in a democratic society. (CFR)

Discusses a first-year writing class composed of both Hispanic-American and Anglo students, arguing that rather than regarding online conflicts between students as mere "flaming," such conflicts can be seen as a way of helping students develop as literate citizens more aware of difference. (SR)

Goodlad believes that schools and leadership training should stress renewal, not reform. The workplace cannot survive unless people are educated for democracy and its responsibilities. Vouchers should supplement a child's education, not subsidize private schools. Improving family resources is the best way to address poverty and raise achievement.…

The governance of Canadian schools is undergoing change. Provincial ministries of education are pursuing contradictory policy initiatives: local school boards are being consolidated to become more "efficient," and individual schools are developing school councils to become more "democratic." This paper applies Jurgen Habermas's…

Expresses disappointment with the outcomes of special education and urges special educators to adopt the democracy-based school reform vision. The paper visualizes an integrated school with part of the day devoted to civic education and school community activities and part devoted to individual student acquisition of academic skills and knowledge…

Because public schools are serving an unjust reproductive function (according to social class, race/ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation), teacher education must be reformed fundamentally to equip students to see problems and possibilities more holistically and become committed to democracy, equity, diversity, and a moral economy. The paper…

Delineates some of the general objectives and goals of citizenship-education programs being proposed throughout Canada. These offer an ongoing dynamic program of education in history, government, and ethics, with the aim of instilling in youth a willingness to think about the problems facing our society. (MJP)

Centrists believe education is initially a right for every young person. When youngsters demonstrate no interest in doing schoolwork, obeying school rules, or respecting school staff, they forfeit this right and must re-earn it. Centrists believe values should be addressed openly; reject polarized curriculum ideologies; and hold teachers, parents,…

Elements aiding block-scheduling implementation at an Ohio Catholic school include a supportive principal, systems thinking, adequate time and resources, benchmarks for quality, responsible faculty decision making, readiness-based staff development, democratic process, process/content coordination, a nonthreatening learning environment, and…

Examines the past record of public libraries in serving United States Latinos. Considers current conditions warranting renewed attention and proposes new directions for future library services to this community. Discusses strategic plans, preparation of children's librarians, new support personnel, the technological gap, recurrent questions, and…

Review of literature on school leadership organized for the most part around the following topics: Building leadership capacity (organizational, managerial coordination, mentoring, collaborative, democratic, ethical, expanded view of schooling); redefining school leadership, for example, by fostering teacher development; and reforming principal…