Maintains that criticism of the National History Standards is inaccurate and politically motivated. Claims that conservatives value history instruction as an inculcation of patriotism rather than a search for truth. Praises the Standards as fair, insightful, and useful. (MJP)

Discusses the strategies that the former Soviet states are evolving to balance the interests of dominant ethnic groups with those of linguistic minorities while constructing a national identity, highlighting language policy in action and focusing on acculturation processes and geographic mobility among groups. A case study of Estonia is also…

Dominant social, economic, and political philosophies manifested in the recent debate over the University of Costa Rica general studies curriculum reforms are discussed. It is concluded that the debate is really about the university's role in an environment that values privatization, individual (contrasted with social) benefits of higher…

Discusses the future training of early childhood educators, focusing on techniques for teachers to build prosocial skills, develop aesthetic appreciation, inculcate acceptance and inclusion, and develop a curiosity for learning among children. Also discusses the political status of early childhood education. (MDM)

Discusses social and political changes in southern Vietnam since the end of the Vietnam War. Describes anti-U.S. propaganda used in the schools and media in the years immediately following the war. Contends that younger Vietnamese look forward to a closer relationship with the United States and its people. (CFR)

Suggests that educational researchers need to (1) expand schooling beyond the narrow interests of the marketplace; (2) view multiculturalism as central to democracy; (3) refuse to equate nationalism and monoculturalism; and (4) substitute community, solidarity, and public responsibility for emphasis on choice and individual competitiveness. (SLD)

Argues that both state and local politics are more influential than current theory, educational research, and practitioner craft knowledge in shaping the initial conceptualization and subsequent implementation of reform initiatives in the Chicago (Illinois) public schools. Messages for other school systems are highlighted in the Chicago…

Problems and controversies involving public black colleges are reported in the context of the recent Supreme Court decision suggesting states should merge historically black colleges with geographically close, predominantly white institutions. In some cases white political leaders are blamed for potential closures of vulnerable institutions.…

Presents a discussion by journalists, scientists, and writers on educational problems in the Soviet Union. Focuses on the the role of the pedagogical press in restructuring public education in light of perestroika. Calls for press involvement in defining and developing public education. Lists questions for consideration and invites responses. (NL)

In spite of prevailing opinion, U.S. cities are alive and well and continue to play a major role in the nation's social fabric. The federal policies of recent years must be reversed to keep cities functioning as the place where the United States reimagines itself and learns to manage difference. (SLD)

Reviews and analyzes the legal development and current status of affirmative action. Traces the aftermath of the Brown versus Board of Education case, the benign discrimination doctrine, the impact of the City of Richmond versus Croson in minority set-asides in Virginia, and the strict scrutiny standard. (JB)

Offers an analysis of the legal, court, and regulatory work of the Reagan and, to some extent, the Bush administrations on the issues of civil rights and affirmative action. Argues that these administrations worked to shift the views of the high court and mounted an offensive against affirmative action. (JB)

Explores teaching African-American history as a form of African-American cultural empowerment, laying out arguments supporting this position and an alternative view. A case study of a school system shows how empowerment aspects of African-American history compete against other aspects of classroom practice as it examines how empowering…

Traces Soviet educational history during the 1950s and 1960s. Presents chapter four from Ele Monoszon's "The Establishment and Development of Soviet Pedagogy." Reviews theories and research of key Soviet educators during this period. (CH)

Teacher unionization, centralization of financial control, desegregation, and weakening in business involvement are among the political factors that have contributed to the decline in public school performance between 1965 and 1980. Research into these factors confirms the importance of political influences on schooling and suggests that…