Appraises community education as an approach to reforming local educational politics. The bureaucratic system of school governance is unresponsive to the multifaceted educational needs of contemporary communities. As parents regain a meaningful role in determining school practice, the community education process will restore their lost sense of…

Scarcity of school finances is a problem. Currently, the distribution of resources is politically driven, exacerbating conflicts between rich and poor school districts. The paper describes a new model promoting community, inclusion, and solidarity and based on the premise that democratic societies must articulate values of justice, fairness, and…

Explores management of expenditures for public education in welfare state. Faced with fiscal overload, Scottish government is seeking to curb expenditure by engaging the compliance of both professional educators and parents under the guise of school self-management. The government's case rests on a (democratic) rhetoric of choice and ownership but…

Examines the relationship between decolonization and democratization through an analysis of the case of Hong Kong. Discusses Hong Kong's tradition lack of politization and the movement for democratization as decolonization approaches. Addresses the role of education in that process. (Contains 38 references.) (MAB)

Presents a secondary school lesson on cumulative voting in political elections. Encourages students to recognize the controversial nature of linking cultural diversity and voting rights. Includes learning objectives, step-by-step instructional procedures, and a student handout. (CFR)

The role of institutional research in a college or university is closely related to the values, beliefs, and practices of those in authority. Institutional research has traditionally perpetuated asymmetrical power relations and subordination of some groups. However, institutional research can also be designed to promote cultural democracy by…

Maintains that parents are likely to have negative attitudes about cooperative learning. Asserts that social studies can be achieved more effectively using cooperative learning methodology. Includes a sample letter to parents explaining the rationale and operation of cooperative learning in the social studies classroom. (CFR)

Discusses "Strengthening Collegiate Education in Community Colleges" (J. S. Eaton) and "The Contradictory College" (K. J. Dougherty), two conflicting perspectives on community colleges' roles. Argues that both fail to consider the changing needs of today's diverse students. Multiculturalism and commitment to education as…

Issues and recent events concerning censorship of the arts in the United States are examined, and the threat to artistic freedom posed by recent Supreme Court decisions is examined. Focus is on erosion of the actual or imminent harm requirement of the law and on the court's class-based approach to free speech. (MSE)

Highly prescriptive curriculum, testing, and teacher evaluation policies, such as those in New York State, actually impede teachers from teaching responsibly and effectively. These policies insist that teachers demonstrate a set of uniform behaviors unrelated to effective teaching for particular students. To work toward a new reform paradigm,…

The reputation of private independent schools began improving as Americans started believing that public schools were not living up to their expectations. Though many states regulate important aspects of private schools, and being private precludes access to public funds, nonpublic schools have significant autonomy and promote diversity and…

Exhibitions are one way to exemplify high standards while serving both individual liberty and civic virtue. Exhibitions begin with determination of what students should know and be able to do and proceed methodically backward to define what and how students must be taught to reach those outcomes. Policy options to ensure accountability through…

Presents a sample introductory lesson on the concept of equal protection, differential treatment under law, and legal tests for determining when differential treatment violates the Equal Protection Clause. Recommends using a poster depicting segregated water fountains and contrasting it with the Declaration of Independence to discuss the doctrine…

Reviews "The Quality School Teacher," by William Glasser, which addresses how teachers can implement control theory in the classroom to help students meet their basic needs and choose to do quality school work. Notes similarities and differences between Glasser's approach and both the Foxfire approach and democratic practice in the…

Discusses the democratic learning approach to preservice teacher education in a limited number of British higher education institutions. Compares this approach in two teacher education programs. Concludes that democratic learning can be incorporated successful into a variety of subject specialties. (CFR)