Summarizes different forms of school choice and the pros and cons behind them. Describes the methodology used to discover what kinds of parents make which school choice decision; and what reasons they have for their decisions. Displays data related to the above two research questions and discusses implications of findings for the debate on school…

Examines recent trends and developments in Portugal's higher education system, highlighting three trends: democratization (transforming the system from an enclave of the elite to one that allows mass access); diversification (offering two levels of higher education, including a non-university sector called the Polytechnic System), and…

Since 1990, 101 bills encouraging or mandating phonics instruction have been introduced in state legislatures; 28 have been enacted. Phonics bills tend to be introduced by Republican legislators and promoted by Christian Right individuals and organizations as the only spiritually and educationally sound reading instruction method. (Contains 129…

Examines the dismissal in 1931 of distinguished sociologist Carl C. Taylor after 11 years as an influential faculty member and dean at the State College of Agriculture and Engineering of North Carolina. Reviews the subsequent investigation by the American Association of University Professors. Highlights Taylor's career and contributions at…

Presents Part II of an interview with Ira Shor reflecting on the state of community colleges since the 1960s. Discusses how the most important thing to teach is critical inquiry and critical literacy, to study something in a methodical way and to communicate knowledge gained with articulate depth to a real audience. Outlines 13 goals for schooling…

Explores University of Technology, Sydney's process to transform its program in management of third sector organizations because of the profound social change caused by globalization. Analyzes the nature of the crisis, offers a rationale for the strategic action taken, and evaluates the first-phase implementation, including the politics of…

Examines the historical experiences and struggles of African Americans seeking literacy access during the post Reconstruction Era. Reveals interconnections of power/knowledge relations and discursive practices of the Hampton-Tuskegee model of education that shaped literacy access and opportunity; and these discursive practices framed the school's…

Traces evolution of rural-school education plan in Colombia (Escuela Nueva), focusing on importance of Colombia's changing political and social climate in policy development. Identifies three phases of reform development and implementation: grassroots, formalized, and decoupled. Uses Escuela Nueva to demonstrate importance of recognizing dynamic,…

Algeria's educational system and language usage are politically controlled. As French loses its ground, English is being heralded as a solution to the country's problems. Popular vernaculars are banned. Language policy is the result of political takeovers. The introduction of English in elementary school appears to be an attempt to end the…

Tries to clarify the ethics and pragmatics of test-based diploma denial by setting out and evaluating the two camps' positions. Notes the author's aims are taxonomic, hoping to organize a confusing array of arguments; and partisan, hoping to guide further action on these very significant debates, especially as they involve the practice of English…

Sets up critical frameworks for exploring the emergence and development of higher education in Africa, focusing on ways in which higher education institutions and systems are responding to the challenges they face as agents of development and highlighting South Africa and Ethiopia. Explores the nature of the unfolding relationship between South…

Critical review of California's standards-aligned mathematics textbook-adoption process. Concludes that emphasis on skills-based drills aligned with standardized tests will dominate mathematics instruction in California. Hopes the other states will not follow California's example. (Contains 31 references.) (PKP)

In this article, the authors deal with the question whether the concept of "Bildung" or "cultivation/edification" is still a concept which one can use to analyse and criticise actual developments in the field of education (both in thought/discourse and in action/technique) which are themselves related to broader social transformations often…

Contexts are currently enjoying much prominence in school mathematics. Generally, the contextual issues and situations learners are exposed to and deal with in Mathematical Literacy are, with good reason, determined by curriculum, learning resource and test designers. This article reports on a study that investigated contexts that learners would…

This conceptual essay examines the controversial idea of faith-based leadership without relying on traditional notions of conservative, essentialist theology. The essay challenges scholars as well as practitioners in educational leadership to grapple with the realities of an esoteric or spiritual existence that has a phenomenal impact on their…