Commenting on an article (Journal of Teacher Education, Nov-Dec 1982) by Lane Kirkland, president of the AFL-CIO, the author of this article points to a need for better communication between teacher educators and groups such as business, labor, and cultural organizations. Key questions about education in the future are posed. (PP)

Reviews issues that emerged in testimony before a House Subcommittee regarding the deteriorating quality of science and mathematics education. Focuses on (1) salary differentials that serve to entice teachers into jobs in business and industry and (2) lack of public understanding as to the importance of vital scientific technology. (GC)

As women become more independent, the responsibility for family care of children and elderly dependents is being shared by public or private out of home services. It is important, however, that the personal element of care not be lost. (Author/AOS)

Proposes and tests an assessment model of the Cooperative Extension Service (USDA) in Kentucky (1979) with 11,015 questionnaires. Finds Extension's clientele cover a broad range (one-fourth) of the general public; clientele are satisfied with services; those who are satisfied (nonfarmers, farmers, metropolitan and nonmetropolitan residents)…

It is increasingly obvious that prison school educators must work toward keeping the public informed with concrete evidence of the value of prison educational systems. As the public is made aware of and understands the benefits which the society can derive from correctional education programs, approval of and support for these programs should…

Addresses the problems of declining student performance as measured by standardized achievement test scores and attendant loss of confidence in public schools by offering nine specific ideas for stimulating significant gains in student achievement. (Author/WD)

Given the entrenchment of professional dominance and the decrease in lay influence, the establishment of School Site Councils in California will probably not radically alter the structure of educational governance. The author suggests that if professional power continues to grow unchecked, it will pose a threat to democratic principles. (Author/WD)

Traces the role of public libraries in American democracy and free enterprise and their contributions to the careers of such men as Carnegie, Radtke, Goddard, and Land. Library services to industry are described, and a new federal-state-local pattern of funding is advocated for the maintenance of public libraries. (RBF)

The Delphi technique was employed on a random sample of National Middle School Association members to identify topics of needed research in middle school education and to seek consensus on the usefulness of each research topic. Available from NMSA, P.O. Box 968, Fairborn, OH 45324. (Author)

Considers gay student organizations' rights at state-supported public institutions, discusses the First Amendment and the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Offers advice on the major principles and issues that should be taken into account in writing a campus policy regarding the rights of gay student organizations. (Author/RJM)

Discusses declining commitment to education as a public good, addressing contemporary changes in economic organization, the correlative reorganization and design of institutions, and the discourse of privatization. Privatization emphasizes the traditional family and the importance of women's unpaid work for children and schools, despite most…

Profiles James Comer's success at directing the Yale Child Study Center and implementing the School Development Project in predominantly black, low-income school districts. Today, a training program called the Comer Project for Change in Education is operating in more than 600 schools in 82 districts and 26 states. Comer's proudest achievement is…

Identifies four causes of the public's skeptical attitude toward public education and needed remedies. The news media must paint a more balanced picture of public education. Educators must explain what they are doing and engage the public in productive conversation. Civility must be returned to educational discourse. We must agree as a nation…