Analyzes five cases related to challenges to public school textbooks. Five different U.S. Courts of Appeal have considered the objections of parents to textbooks, and all five found for the defendant school districts. Reveals that what began as a grassroots parental movement evolved into a nationwide crusade that has embroiled communities. (129…

Schools in Arthurdale (West Virginia), a New Deal resettlement community for displaced coal miners, made landmark efforts to bring Deweyan ideals of progressive education to bear on community life. The article examines Arthurdale's pedagogy and history in order to illuminate ambiguities of educators' efforts to promote community, emphasizing…

Examines the effects of British government attempts to make teacher education more school based. Surveys of students at one such program indicated that while it offers great insight into school life, it may sacrifice the development of students' analytical and theoretical understanding of education promoted within higher education-based work.…

Recent British educational reforms, particularly the adoption of a national curriculum, have increased centralized control of education. Since 1988, teachers have witnessed the erosion of universities' role in teacher training, the "marketization" of the national inspection system for schools, and the imposition of school assessment…

Outlines problems in reconciling tensions among theories of citizenship, democracy, and multiculturalism in the context of capitalist societies, and resulting implications for comparative education scholars. Discusses the Enlightenment as foundation of citizenship, feminist criticism, postcolonialism, critical race theory, and social movements.…

Discusses Canadian provinces' business-oriented control of local educational systems (via mission setting, consolidation, performance measures, nonunion workforce); elimination of denominational school systems; abolishment or amalgamation of school boards; Canada's huge educational debt; early teacher retirement; alternate solutions to educational…

Mountains of data over 10 years show that the educational sky is not falling. This article deplores critics' disregard of the Sandia Report, American policymakers' test-craziness and education/economic productivity obsessions, the overrated "Texas Miracle," National Education Goals, and weighty student backpacks. (MLH)

In 1997, Milgram and three other university mathematicians substantially revised the draft California mathematics standards. Changes were accepted by the state Board of education without seeking public or teacher input, circumventing public process. Content knowledge is no substitute for knowledge of how students develop mathematical…

Interview with three Hawaiian educators discusses Hawaiian educational philosophy focused on the importance of family and community and the relationary nature of knowledge; educational self-determination; the politics of promoting culture-based education; and the spiritual aspect of helping students pursue both a career and a destiny. (SV)

Outlines the types of education needed for teachers intending to teach English in modern China, discussing difficulties for English language teachers stemming from Hong Kong's colonial history and the necessity for cultural adaptability in expatriate teachers (which is even more necessary on mainland China). Rewards and challenges for second…

This paper presents the academic benefits of bilingual education gained by language-minority students, highlighting school districts that have had great success with bilingual education and discussing the negative consequences of the proposed English for Children initiative, which would end bilingual education and instead provide intensive…

Explores pedagogical reforms as effects of power. Contains two sections: the first examines turn-of-the-century practices to professionalize teachers and redefine pedagogy; the second focuses on the redemptive culture of contemporary reforms. Argues that contemporary educational sciences inscribe principles of order related to changes in the…

Discusses some of the difficulties faced by presidents of tribal colleges, including underfunding and political infighting. Emphasizes the need for presidents to have a fast learning curve, be a good mediator, use participatory management techniques, and maintain personal integrity. States that tribal colleges play a major role in developing…

Considers the effects of internal and external constituencies on the role of welfare reform in community colleges. Describes how Modesto Junior College (California) built partnerships with county and state employment, social services, welfare, and other agencies to develop effective job-training programs. (NB)

The tougher standards movement has five fatal flaws. An emphasis on scores limits student willingness to experiment and be challenged. The "basic skills" approach to teaching--pouring knowledge down student throats--has never worked well. Standardized testing necessarily creates winners and losers. Accountability is coercive and…