Discusses the ways English teachers might usefully mix the "old" literary canon with the new canon. Argues that such a mixture produces better readers. (HB)

Shares the views of five authors about what is being done in the name of whole language in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. States that these essays represent only temporary perspectives, and that more challenging questions about the theoretical assumptions that underlie whole language will arise. (PA)

Advocates of the federally subsidized school breakfast program see a strong link between nutrition and learning. However, some opponents believe that the breakfast program is an intrusion into family life and is not cost-effective for a school district. School board members on both sides of the issue discuss the reasons for their stand. (MLF)

Challenges the parameters defining the field of educational politics and a dominant paradigm stifling the exercise of power and gender, social class, racial, and sexual difference. Briefly reviews current feminist theories and work in cultural studies as they relate to educational policy and politics. A newly defined "public sphere" has…

This article uses the work of three writers (D. Snauwaert, M. Apple, N. Warehime) to explore how cultural groups should be recognized in politics in democratic societies. Arguing that sustaining dialog is vital to addressing fundamental issues in a democracy, the paper explores education, values, the value and nature of democracy, democratic…

All new superintendents are in jeopardy, but their greatest vulnerability is ignorance of district history. Superintendents should trust no one for several months and be especially wary of disgruntled board members, sore losers, gossips, and sieves. New superintendents can build trust by being trustworthy, immediately firing or reassigning…

Argues that composition teachers should drop outmoded requirements that perpetuate the discourses of hierarchy and exclusion. Instead, they should articulate the study, practice, and teaching of writing; devise curricula in writing that aim at the achievement of critical public literacy; and abandon the institutional discourse of student need, the…

Describes the 1993 demise of the College of Communications and Fine Arts at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, in which the college was eliminated and its departments assigned to other units. Discusses the pressures of politics, money, intrigue, and alumni support, which all played a role. Notes lessons learned. (SR)

After managing the nation's largest school system for two years, Chancellor Ray Cortines will be leaving New York City Public Schools on October 15th. Cortines insists his resignation was not spurred by Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's efforts to overhaul the schools, despite skirmishes over budgets, bureaucracy, and staff. Having trimmed the budget,…

To impress search committees, administrator candidates should address replies to all committee members, avoid alcohol drinks during lunch, find out committee members' names and their proper pronunciations, drive around the community before the interview, dress conservatively, avoid bad-mouthing their current school system, ask questions, and…

Seven politicians who have spent some time in the college classroom as professors or lecturers comment on the influence of their teaching experience on their approaches to law-making. The legislators are: Senator Phil Gramm, Senator Paul Simon, Senator Barbara Mikulski, Representative Roscoe G. Bartlett, Representative Bob Filner, Representative…

Reviews issues related to systemic reform, indicating their manifestation in the National Research Council's proposed National Science Education Standards. The paper suggests that the unifying vision is vague and does not provide a foundation for revised educational decision making, and it discusses the viability of the notion of systemic reform.…

If implemented, California's Proposition 187 (the "Save Our State" initiative) would create a state-run system to verify the legal status of all persons seeking public education, health care, and public benefits. The frustrations resulting from Proposition 187 and its implications for immigrants are explored. (SLD)

Although South Bronx Superintendent Felton "Buddy" Johnson has cut student failure rates, budgets, and teachers' resistance to change, his school board has terminated his contract. Known as an activist administrator who refused to cut deals with a historically corrupt school board, Johnson has substantially retrained teachers and…

The politically conservative John M. Olin Foundation, which provides financial grants to individuals and groups on U.S. campuses, has become part of the debate over "political correctness" in academia. The foundation is accused of being linked with the Republican Party and of distorting intellectual debate. (DB)