Maintains that political correctness as an issue is a hyperbole, and the attack on political correctness is merely the anticipated reaction to the expansion of dialogue to society's least visible populations. Discusses the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution, and argues that the twin conceptions of personal liberty and community…

Takes a close look at the word "equality" as it is used in current scholarship in composition studies. Argues that the almost reflexive employment of it in pedagogical contexts helps ensure that schools will continue to be sites for the reproduction of the very ideology that prevents any kind of equality in the first place. (SR)

Although U.S. Education Secretary Lamar Alexander's forceful presence on the educational scene has compelled attention and eclipsed his predecessors, we are a long way from knowing whether this consummate politician and his espoused causes (such as America 2000) are destined to make a serous difference in U.S. education. (MLH)

Discusses and compares two recent books on American higher education: "The Closing of the American Mind" by Allan Bloom, and "Lives on the Boundary" by Mike Rose. Develops a view which synthesizes those of Bloom and Rose. Considers this view as comparable to that of Paul Goodman. (HB)

Discusses the politics of social science research and locates the development of transformative research within debates about postmodernism. Provides an example of a transformative research project highlighting the relationship between power and knowledge. (SK)

The authors critically examine the rhetorical structure of a 1987 article by Shulman, especially the textual strategies used to construct "the teacher" as an object of study. Broader issues of representation and power in the social sciences are addressed, concluding with a call for more critical literacy among readers and writers of research…

Discusses eight myths about school choice and attempts to settle some of the main arguments on the basis of experiences in Minnesota and elsewhere. Reviews some of the variety of established choice policies and describes the components of an effective program. (SR)

Reviews the status of educational choice in a number of countries, including the newly independent states of Eastern Europe and the newly united Germany. Sets forth the requirements for inclusion in a choice program if it is to be effective and equitable. (SR)

Argues that teaching communication skills is a fundamentally political matter. Discusses why the implicit politics of communication as a field attracts detractors. (SR)

Argues that basic writing teachers must consider the negative effects of their lack of professional definition, particularly their lack of influence within the larger field. Argues that they need a resolution or professional statement to join in reasserting the value of teaching as their primary professional purpose. (SR)

Discusses political challenges that basic writing programs face and describes strategies for meeting those challenges. Suggests ways to improve basic writing instruction and assessment to empower basic writing students. (SR)

Argues that knowing how higher education is organized can enable basic writing teachers to improve both the status and funding of their programs. Describes features of higher education which organizational analysts consider crucial to the budgeting process. Suggests actions for teachers to revise the reputations and budgets of basic writing…

Discusses one professor's life in the discipline of speech communication and how the identity crisis in communication studies reflects the academy's larger crisis of mission. Explores the difficulty of holding onto one's ideals while working inside the institution called the university. (SR)

Shares a professor's perceptions of ideology, politics, and activism from his dual roles as "objective" academic and political activist. (SR)

Responds to topics addressed in several essays in the same journal issue. Explores the bias in academia against discussing the spiritual dimension of discourse. Discusses the difference between power and spirit and the sources of spirit. (SR)