Analyzes the content of 20 "Book Club Discussion Guides" from 13 different commercial publishers to understand the particular constructions of readers and reading embodied in these materials. Finds that the "curriculum" of these guides is not likely to foster a collective cultural or critical reflection on self or world--they…

Argues that the writing center is an ideal place to teach and practice a critical and self-reflective form of acculturation, encouraging underprepared students (especially those marginalized by race, class, and ethnicity) to adopt critical consciousness. Discusses acculturation verses the goals of critical consciousness, the traditional writing…

Recent educational reforms in the United Kingdom have had the effect of compartmentalizing children's education into measurable outcomes (usually academic) and of undervaluing its socioemotional aspects. Introduces a symposium presenting different views of the implications of these reforms. Encourages all professionals involved in education to…

Discusses the fiscal condition of Florida, highlighting its school-funding system and comparisons with other states. Analyzes five issues identified in interviews with state policy analysts: adequate funding for growing demand, applied educational-equity/adequacy considerations, tax-base adequacy, alternative revenue sources, and accountability…

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.…

The increased expectations for educational reform make schools and their communities unavoidably more political. These conditions mean that the study of micropolitics is absolutely a question of survival for school leaders. Inserting micropolitics into both the scholarship and curriculum of school leadership is inevitable, advisable, and…

The superintendent of a wealthy, rural school district describes the unique context of schooling reform in Westchester County, New York. Pressures for reform coming from parents and the community lead to interschool competition and spark micropolitics that spill out into the community. Successful schools have greater autonomy and empowered…

Describes measures adopted in Austria to help ensure school success for all, examining measures taken at the structural and school levels. Discusses indicators for success and failure, changes in Austria's education system, and the monitoring and evaluation of change. Argues that coherent educational, social, and economic policies are a…

Asserts that we need a greater shift toward the personal and an active recognition for interpretation of authentic curriculum texts as art in our teaching practices. Argues that educational authoritarianism can only lead to the eventual and diminishing returns in our schools and institutions. Contains 23 references. (VWC)

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…

Explores the role played by modernization policies of the government in promoting contemporary conflicts between private and public interests, using Mexico and Oregon's education systems as case studies. Finds modernization policies, especially the privatization of education, inappropriate in meeting social, political, and economic needs of both…

Summarizes the current political and social aspirations of the gay and lesbian movement and the educational implications. Considers evidence of the extent to which gay and lesbian aspirations are receiving a sympathetic hearing. Develops a Muslim perspective on male homosexuality based mainly on Islamic teaching and notes implications for…

Discusses Garth Boomer's 1989 keynote address. Suggests it prefigured debates central to English teachers' professional development, to the pages of his journal, in Australia's classrooms for the next 10 years on the following issues: (1) progressivism/critical literacy divide; (2) variations on the genre debate; (3) reader-response theory vs.…

Reading researchers are under attack by policy makers and others outside the field who want a quick, easy method for teaching students to read. Although common ground exists, nothing points to any single best way to teach reading. What matters most is the teacher, flexible approaches, and student interests. Contains 17 references. (MLH)

Argues that Basic Writing students, teachers, and scholarship are crucial to enabling colleges and universities to realize their ideals of diversity, interdisciplinarity, and student-centered learning. Calls for more research exploring the potential of basic writing students to develop (and help others develop) "borderland" perspectives which may…