Discusses the ambiguous attitude toward literacy in ancient Athenian society. Asserts that few Athenian citizens could read, yet reading was regarded as intrinsic to democratic practices. Maintains that the democratic power of writing rests in the active, social interaction of citizens. (CFR)

The role of increased teacher unionization during the current period of reform in Australian education is examined critically. It is argued that conventional industrial-style unionization is not supportive of educational values and that a more inclusive model of educational accountability is needed. (Author/MSE)

The article reveals philosophical, social, and practical difficulties with ongoing governmental policy in vocational education, focusing on the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994, which is designed to construct a national transition system administered at state and local levels. Alternative approaches are suggested. (SM)

Challenging prevalent views of teachers as technicians, bureaucratic agents, and deskilled intellectuals, the article recommends restructuring teachers' roles by considering them public intellectuals, exploring pedagogical and curricular transformations and changes in workplace conditions that might empower individual teachers and emancipate…

Examines education-related strategies endorsed by a committee mandated to develop a plan of action to secure Canada's future economic and social well-being. Describes current educational attempts to meet objectives that involve balancing equity, efficiency, and effectiveness with social, economic, and educational concerns. (LP)

Provides a progress report on the development process for the National Standards in Geography project. Discusses content and changes made in the fourth draft of the standards. Expresses disappointment in the comments of many geographic educators who criticized the standards for being too difficult or too lengthy. (CFR)

Contends that sound professional judgment and conduct depend upon sound ethical judgment and conduct. The article examines ethics and professional judgment from the perspective of making ethical executive and administrative decisions rather than of classroom instruction and evaluation. Steps toward making educational practice more rational and…

Describes teacher training practices, problems, and reforms in the Turkish educational system. Because three different types of institutions, each with its own preparation policies and practices, contribute personnel to the educational system, Turkey faces problems in the training, recruitment, employment, and professional development of its…

Stress accompanies most superintendencies, but how much strain a superintendent experiences hinges on personality traits and coping ability. Superintendents are pressured by innercity work environments, changing demographics, tightening finances, confrontational school boards, and dissatisfied constituents. For some, the answer is early…

Examines three arguments supporting the status quo in education and society: the poor lack values and receive what they deserve, the rich are entitled to resources they accumulate, and change would require government intervention that could cause socialism. Solutions must be acceptable to a society deficient in generosity requiring self-sacrifice.…

This article explores the global education controversy by examining challenges made on three global education programs; discusses the implications of the challenges for teacher educators in preservice, inservice, and graduate programs; and presents practical suggestions to help teacher educators enhance the quality of the educational process. (SM)

Reviews issues related to multiculturalism in art education. Contends that there is a tension between art associated with Western Civilization and art from a multicultural perspective. Concludes that art education must have separatist, integrationist, and multicultural orientations. (CFR)

Intent of "A Nation at Risk" was to call attention to erosion of students' family lives, not to excoriate teachers. Reforms affecting only six hours of children's daily lives cannot succeed. Schools must reach out to help parents, and child-care workers become skilled at incidental (informal) teaching. Other concerns include technology,…

With the exception of teachers, most educators are convinced that principals can have a powerful leadership role in curriculum and instruction. Achieving lasting educational change requires specific strategies, such as adaptive problem solving, school-level focus, compatibility, administrative leadership, teacher involvement, top-down or bottom-up…

Discusses decision making and politics in teacher education. In Papua New Guinea, poor command of the English language led to implementation of an intensive, controversial program in teacher education colleges. The article presents comments on teacher education, language, and competency testing in England, Wales, Brazil, Canada, and the United…