The authors argue that many of the recently recommended public-school reforms either sidestep or abandon the principles underlying education for a democratic citizenry developed by John Dewey and others. The authors outline a teacher education curriculum that links the critical study of power, language, culture, and history to the practice of a…

The knowledge base of state politics involved in formation of educational policies has become richer and more complex, with individual research findings beginning to hang together. Continued study of political cultures and policy makers' orientations is needed to create a knowledge base that can support theory development. (CB)

Key policy actors in six states (Arizona, California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wisconsin) indicate a strong national consensus about seven basic policy mechanisms. While school finance dominated policy making, personnel, testing, and program definition policies had importance, followed by school governance, curriculum materials,…

The confirmed existence of political culture in the attitudes of education policymakers in six states (Arizona, California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, West Virginai, and Wisconsin) indicates that how education leaders decide about policy may depend less on what resources the states have than how leaders expect the political system to operate. (CB)

The complex and varied nature of state education policymaking is illustrated through six case studies detailing political influences at work in six states (Arizona, California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Wisconsin). (CB)

The reauthorization of the Higher Education Act seeks to expand access to postsecondary education by recognizing the changing demographics of the campus community and by increasing potential funding for crucial programs. Other major changes enacted during the reauthorization process are discussed. (MLW)

This article provides a profile of Robert Southey's political philosophy. One of the first literary humanitarians, Southy began his writing career as a staunch liberal but ended as a conservative. (JDH)

This article proposes a critical framework for the study of teachers as political actors inextricably involved in conflict over the purposes and direction of public education. Discussed is the way teachers are viewed as affected by theories of schooling, the occupational culture of teachers, and the politics of gender in teaching. (MT)

Reviews different meanings attached to liberal education and relates these definitions to the current status of higher education. Proceeds to consider future trends of higher education and examine the meaning and relevance of liberal education in this context. (JDH)

Explains current practices in gifted education as they relate to the schools' role in legitimating existing patterns of social stratification. Argues that schools provide noncognitive instruction to gifted students to thwart their development as intellectuals. Evaluates the extent to which gifted education programs are elitist. (KH)

Outlines guidelines for school boards to follow in setting up effective public hearings on school issues. The guidelines are divided into two groups: (a) what to do to prepare for the hearing, and (b) how to conduct the hearing itself. (MD)

Salient issues in higher education policymaking and recent changes in appropriations levels are highlighted for each state and for the federal government. Also identified are the upcoming congressional agenda, hearings, regulations, new reports, and studies under consideration. (MSE)

How some nations are motivated by political or geo-political considerations when denouncing human rights abuses is examined. Examples from US and Russian foreign policies are discussed. (RM)

Reviews Black political strategies of the 1960s and 1970s. Calls for a further shift in strategy, in light of the fact that the most urgent and primary task of Black leadership is the internal reconstruction of the Black community through strengthening both its common frame of reference and common resource base. (Author/GC)

An Arizona school board member offers 13 tips for avoiding excessive or divisive emotional involvement in school board issues. These tips generally emphasize the importance of civility, open-mindedness, factual support for arguments, tact, detachment, and humor. (TE)