Case-study research indicates that the experiences of women and blacks differ significantly from those of their white male counterparts in managing the political dimension of student affairs. Discusses case studies, identifying eight major "recurring themes" that represent the most critical tasks in understanding and managing the political…

The creative writing program at Syracuse University (New York) has been controversial since a 1995 incident in which a faculty member was charged with sexual harassment and drunkenness. A female faculty member has also been accused of inappropriate behavior. Faculty are divided over the issues, and some accuse the university of ignoring problems…

A Delaware middle-school principal reflects on a small town's provincial, picayune mindset when confronted with the RE:LEARNING project. Community culture made change very difficult; tradition and stakeholders' fears worked against new initiatives. Also, the district's commitment to the project was very superficial, and local politics stifled…

Analyzes the division of public school funds in seven states in the postbellum South and finds that the higher the ratio of black to white students, the more economic incentive white school boards had to discriminate. (Contains 13 endnotes and 4 tables.) (Author/MLF)

Examines the historical development and current status of federal support for vocational education at the postsecondary level. Considers the role federal laws have played in creating current postsecondary vocational education programs. Discusses the federal government's potential for supporting enhanced growth and quality. (Contains 39…

A study examined parental support for bilingual education in the face of political debate. Surveys of 1,043 parents of children attending 10 dual-language programs in Colorado found that parents understood the purpose of these programs, freely chose the programs, and believed they were effective. Spanish-speaking parents responded more positively…

John Holt was a key figure in the free school movement. His belief that school procedures worked against children's natural ways of learning came from his own experiences. Recognizing that genuine democracy can only happen within a genuine community, he felt that social institutions, particularly education, must nourish experiences of belonging,…

Draws from the implementation of reform policies in Michigan to examine both the politics and political economy on the effects of schools as instruments for serving consumer preferences--a perspective referred to as instrumentalism. Contends that instrumentalism emphasizes individual private purposes and nonpublic forms of governance and…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 1975 (IDEA) has facilitated tremendous advances in special education. However, some changes have created differences among school and community members in how they perceive special education (e.g., educational funding and discipline policy). The differences will be examined in Congress with the 1997…

Considers current thinking about intercultural attitudes in Spain to demonstrate reasons why the Spanish approach to interculturalism, particularly in schools, has not been at the forefront of societal, governmental, or educational thinking. Discusses the dangers of ignoring immigrants' needs and abilities within the community and the…

Provides brief history of the German Gymnasium as a traditional European secondary school system with a preparatory function for higher education. Reviews the main goals of the gymnasium. Asks what role the gymnasium plays as a learning environment for gifted students. Discusses the politico-educational consequences and demands on the gymnasium.…

Describes development of the Oregon Quality Education model, an adequacy-funding model. Explores the rationale behind its development as well as the political and economic realities policymakers face in attempting to determine how much money Oregon's schools would need to meet state education reform goals and provide a quality education to all…

Argues there is a problem with how California local school boards and district administration interpret curriculum and instruction in terms of their role in the evaluation of schools, teachers, and students. Notes that the California Teachers Association proposed legislation that would allow teachers to negotiate their role in decision-making…

Addresses the United Kingdom government's control both of curriculum and instruction, elementary teachers' loss of their ability to control instructional time, and the effects of school inspections and national testing on teachers' morale. Argues that content standards, instruction, and assessment must be developed by teachers and government…

Explains that students can study local events within a larger context that clarifies larger events or issues. Focuses on the 1861 case of Sara Lucy Bagby (Cleveland, Ohio), an escaped slave, to illuminate aspects of gender, racial relations, politics, and the origins of the U.S. Civil War. (CMK)