In the current educational reform movement, schools have become the new scapegoat for the American economy's increasing failure to compete in the world market. The Bush Administration needs to articulate a vision linking public education to democratic imperatives, rather than the marketplace's narrow demands. Education for empowerment should be a…

This article calls for the revitalization of civic education in schools. Obstacles which must be overcome to achieve this revitalization are discussed, as well as approaches to incorporating civic education into the curriculum. (IAH)

Conservative economists claim that educational-funding amounts and student-achievement levels are unrelated; that schools serving poor children should spend less money more wisely; and that spending increases to reduce inequities is money wasted. Public schools become the enemy, not economic and political injustice. A serious debate on educational…

Since 1945 the postwar confidence in democracy has dimmed, and many democratic institutions, including public education, have attracted sharply hostile criticism. Business management rhetoric has replaced the language of democratic educational leadership. Despite its fragility, democracy is remarkably robust and merits renewal and restoration. All…

At a recent meeting of traditionalist and "politically incorrect" scholars, speakers accused a small but vocal core of academics of allowing their radical anti-Americanism to taint their scholarship and teaching, refusing to question their own assumptions. Increasing restraints on free speech among scholars was also criticized. (MSE)

Describes the elements of a democratic education model currently being used in Scottish schools. The model relies on reflective classroom practice, includes both structure and freedom in the learning environment, provides reproductive and productive forms of learning, and furthers the ideal of democracy through everyday classroom practice.…

Some enlightened approaches to encouraging staff participation and ownership culled from Oregonian school executives include 4 C's (comments, criticisms, complaints, and compliments) advisory committee, 5-minute stand-up staff meetings, potlatches (monthly dinner workshops), "5/10" (short-answer) reports eliciting teacher comments,…

The radical left has disseminated considerable disinformation concerning religious conservatives' supposed "agenda" for America's public schools. Rather than seeking to ban books, impose mandatory prayer, and eliminate school breakfast programs, the Christian Coalition has a mainstream agenda favoring parental rights, drug- and…

Explores why Office of Educational Research and Improvement and educational research in general has low status and remote connection to educational reform. Educators should reexamine assumption that such research is sole domain of experts, give increased attention to Wirth's democratic sociotechnical model, emphasize development of values uniting…

The Illinois Off-Campus Library Services Evaluation Model utilizes collaboration between evaluators and individual stakeholders. An OCLS survey administered at a small comprehensive liberal arts college with evening and weekend course offerings showed compliance with state and Association of College and Research Libraries requirements, general…

Current social, racial, and economic conditions in the United States are viewed as creating opportunities to undermine democratic values. A historical consciousness that acknowledges different interpretations of the past is seen as a prerequisite for maintenance of democracy. (MSE)

Arguments offered in discussion by today's college students are not intended to persuade but are rather expressions of solidarity with the politically correct. Healthy democracy requires appreciation of the importance of public argument as a means of persuasion. Higher education needs a renewed commitment to this principle. (MSE)

Explores notions of what democracy might be at the university. suggesting that university autonomy and democracy need never be in opposition, though limitations on autonomy are sometimes defensible. The university's interactions with a surrounding society are viewed as potentially part of a democratic process. (SM)

In Australia, education is expected to serve national and international market economies and is being steered by market forces within and beyond education. Recent forms of education markets raise social-justice issues inadequately treated in literature. Markets operate according to profit motive and are not premised on equality or fairness…

The state of global studies in too many schools has changed little in 25 years; projects are seldom future oriented or focused on major world problems (such as increasing pollution, population, poverty, and corporate influence). Administrators must examine all textbooks, inventory their staff and community, and take bold steps to develop…