Describes the implementation of a reform model aimed at improving the academic opportunity and achievement of African American youth in a southern community. Data from site visits and interviews with parents, teachers, students, counselors, and administrators indicated that the program encountered resistance whenever it challenged preconceived…

Describes the experiences of one California elementary school teacher who, after being involved in bilingual education, helped author a referendum to eliminate bilingual education as practiced in California, replacing it with sheltered English immersion and regular English classes. He notes failures in bilingual education and discusses successes…

This case study demonstrates the process of exerting political influence in faculty's systematic efforts to save the outdoor recreation program at Seneca College (Ontario). A chart and explanatory list present a seven-stage plan for influencing political decision-making. (SAS)

Examined early childhood teachers' understanding of progression and continuity in learning and their interpretations of England's National Curriculum policies. Found that teachers engage in a process of resistance, adaptation, and mediation to reconcile tensions between curriculum-centered and learner-centered approaches; they are thus active…

The book reviewed presents a thorough literature review supporting the use of children's first languages in schooling. Criticisms of the book relate to the equation of fluency with academic language and the implication that academic language holds a superior position to other language registers. Discussion of transformative pedagogy fails to…

Analysis of the policy process (expressed in seven propositions) involved in the implementation of a flexible unified system of post-16 school and college education, a reform effort that led to a political crisis in Scottish education in autumn 2000. Concludes that the process of introducing a flexible unified system is inherently conflict-prone.…

Discusses educators' responses to the attempts to take over the educational system by the government of Ontario, Canada. Discusses the background to the crisis, the "Final Straw" (Bill 160), public relations and the largest work stoppage by educators in North America (October, 1997), and lessons learned from the political protests. (RS)

Presents a case that demonstrates why general educators must be knowledgeable about and involved in the individual education plan for a student with a disability. Describes new regulations in individual education plan processes. Concludes that the overall intent of the changes is to bring special educators and regular educators together for the…

Offers brief excerpts from oral history interviews with eight National Council of Teachers of English leaders on a variety of topics, including: formative years; becoming interested in teaching; experiences as a beginning teacher; teaching writing; being an African American teacher; literature and humanness. (SR)

Documents challenges facing the Turkish higher education system, suggesting that its problems are similar to those that have sparked major reform initiatives worldwide. These include the demand for enrollment expansion in the face of declining public resources; inadequate numbers of quality teachers; inefficiencies exacerbated by shrinking public…

Maintains that arts educators must guide students toward an understanding of artistic excellence that will inspire them to be avid audiences for art. Asserts that more rigorous and substantive standards in the arts curriculum is the first step toward reform. Describes alternatives to public education and the choice of charter schools. (CMK)

Experiential education is not just experiential learning, but also a philosophy of education that involves the interaction between learner and teacher and recognizes the larger system-level issues within education. Viewing experiential education as a philosophy allows for its various expressions to argue collectively for educational reform that…

Discusses what the term "High-Stakes Testing" means; concerns about high-stakes testing; whether testing is an important part of good educational design; why using tests for high-stakes decisions causes problems; whether test scores improve when high-stakes assessment is mandated; and ways to help states monitor student success in the curriculum.…

Discusses what the term "High-Stakes Testing" means; concerns about high-stakes testing; whether testing is an important part of good educational design; why using tests for high-stakes decisions causes problems; whether test scores improve when high-stakes assessment is mandated; and ways to help states monitor student success in the curriculum.…

Findings from a 2-year study of arts education reveal that the first and most important factor in a school district's ability to provide strong arts education is the community's support and involvement. Districts with strong arts education also require a supportive school board, superintendent, and a cadre of principals, teachers, and parents.…