An ethnographic study of a principal heading an inclusive elementary school showed that a supportive environment for critique encourages teacher autonomy, risk taking, and consideration of alternative implementation frameworks. Creating a democratic environment coalesces staff. Principal behaviors are undergirded by a spirituality grounded in…

Privatization in disintermediated nations wears a different face. Canada's once-sovereign powers are being offered up to economic blocs (particularly the Asian Pacific Economic Community), the equivalent of corporate headquarters. Canadians are swept downstream in the global race to work cheaper and expect less, a transformation requiring schools'…

Liberatory education is part of the continuing tradition that advocates equity and justice in school children's lives. The international scene seems bold and exciting, as new democratic societies are being created. U.S. democracy has become confused with capitalist ideologies. School leaders must develop a public voice for democratic education.…

Democratic educators should take Arendt's conservatism seriously. Arendt's conception of authority shares fundamental assumptions with mainstream conservative views, although her political philosophy is heavily influenced by existentialism. This paper argues that Arendt's view of authority in education constitutes an alternative to other…

Argues that for a true moral democratic education teachers must learn to address homosexuality in elementary and secondary education using methods that focus on moral democratic stands (MDS) as opposed to moralistic positions. Explains that MDS is essential because it includes recognition of homosexuality and non-oppression simultaneously. (CMK)

Examines why multiculturalism's attention to difference expands on liberal democratic assumptions, arguing that our democratic society's commitment to equal educational opportunities legitimizes the implementation of multicultural education programs designed to create a culturally relevant pedagogy for students who are marginalized by the white,…

Offers a critical discussion on the issue of educational standards by (1) clarifying issues surrounding educational standards, (2) critically examining the assumptions underlying popular discourse about standards, and (3) offering and arguing for an alternate perspective based on democratic ideals. Discusses the impact of this on classroom…

Describes the values and associated behaviors of seven school administrators who foster and sustain democratic practices in schools engaged in restructuring. These administrators reject the centrality of the principal's role and prominently display values supporting equity, inclusion, mutual influence, and candor. These administrators' behavior…

In Boston, City on a Hill Charter School's commitment to civic education challenges the notion that charter schools are inherently privatizing forces in public education reform. Through expanded choice, inclusive decision making, and localized accountability, charter schools can be a democratizing force that serves multiple publics, including…

Discusses the need for preservice teachers to learn to critique and participate in the transformation of educational policies and practices, tracing the theoretical avenues that converge in Media Action Projects (MAPs) and looking at the transformative spaces afforded by MAPs for teaching future educators who can ethically respond to the needs of…

Kentucky's school-based decision-making councils now function in 66% of the state's schools. Since 1991-92, these schools have learned that their councils must represent their local constituencies, gain the support of local political structures, shun legalism, concentrate on substantive education issues, and develop a democratically based…

Explores the emergence and evolution of nongovernmental organizational forms and actors engaged in transnational advocacy in the field of education. Focuses on the genesis of a nongovernmentally sponsored Global Campaign for Education and its efforts to shape the World Forum on Education in Dakar and the future of Education for All activities of…

Makes the case for democratic education, criticizing critical pedagogy for its absence of a coherent, testable theory, lack of understanding of democracy, and inapplicability to the reality of classroom experiences. The paper presents six attributes of democracy that are generally recognized and applies them to education, adding a seventh that…

Study describes how college students (N=39) constructed their residential experiences during pilot implementation of the Community Standards Model. Identifies three major themes related to democratic living: program purpose and structure; engagement and decision-making; and constructions of community. Proposes conditions to promote…

Journalists and college professors deserve certain privileges, including freedom of speech and academic freedom, but they must adapt their work to increasingly diverse populations. They must confront public mistrust, convince people that these freedoms are worthwhile, and protect essential public rights through what they study and teach and to…