Summarizes the visions of 12 newly appointed superintendents from 4 northeastern states. In composing their visions, single-handedly from the start or collaborative over time, superintendents must cope with complex realities and competing demands. Although expected to emulate visionary corporate leaders, superintendents must envision within a…

Presents interviews with people deeply involved in multicultural literature for children and adolescents to give more perspectives on key issues related to publishing, selection, and classroom use of such literature. (RS)

In 1929, the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes of Oklahoma adopted their first written constitution, which created an elected tribal council. Through this council, educated and acculturated young men took power from traditional chiefs and elders. Land claims and dealings with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, 1929-37, are discussed. (SV)

Shows how the teaching of writing is ineluctably embroiled in philosophical instabilities. Argues for strengthening the place of philosophy in the teaching of writing as a response to and, to some degree, resistance to the inevitable politicizing of the teaching of writing. (SR)

The push for national examinations is motivated by unrealistic expectations about the information they will yield. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) has now been asked to monitor achievement at the state level, serve as an evaluation and accountability instrument, and be a benchmark for other tests. This article examines…

New Jersey students must pass high school proficiency test to receive state-endorsed high school diploma. Unless 75 percent of third, sixth, eighth grade students in every school score at or above state-prescribed minimal proficiency level in reading, writing, mathematics, school district will flunk state certification standards and face state…

Notes that the highly visible propaganda offensive mounted by the Right against political correctness uses tactics of boldly asserting falsehood and shamelessly exaggerating a small truth. Shows the falseness of such claims regarding standards for hiring faculty and admitting students, curriculum content, and restrictions on "hate…

Discusses the difficulties and frustrations of trying to make explicit connections among teaching, scholarship, and feminism. Points out the deleterious effects of the feminization of the field of composition on the research and scholarship of women in the field. (SR)

Although U.S. Education Secretary Lamar Alexander's strategy includes a track for today's students, emphasis has been on the new generation of schools advocated in the America 2000 plan. This article pleads for concrete steps to improve the education of today's students and recommends a book ("How to Shape Up Our Nation's Schools") to…

Virginia--the only state in the nation to bar school board elections--recently cleared the way for elected boards. Recounts the history of school boards in the state. A map illustrates the 19 states that allow both elected and appointed school boards, according to local option. (MLF)

Examines rebirth of the school choice idea in the 1980s. Attributes interest in choice to renewed interest among conservatives and unprecedented changes in sentiment toward public education among liberal policy scholars, African-American parents, and state governors. Employs the state relative autonomy theory of political power and the garbage can…

Reviews the critical literature on teacher empowerment. Identifies several factors that have led to the disempowerment of teachers. Reviews the possibilities offered for their empowerment and discusses implications for teacher educators and researchers. (SR)

Presents a personal perspective on the state of public education by the executive director of the American Association of School Administrators. Views the biggest problem as the poverty of one-fourth of all children in schools. (MLF)

Suggests that serious ethical questions regarding the preparation of prospective school administrators have arisen out of the American reform movement. Discusses university-sponsored educational administration programs in the context of the social contract between the university and its various shareholders. Argues that such programs have a major…

The issue of women and work is one of domination and traditionally ceded rights. Political, social, and cultural conditions in Latin America enable negotiation of these rights; and growing awareness through education gives the oppressed the tools to stop cooperating in their own oppression. (SK)