Close links are perceived between considerable growth and internationally high levels of productivity in the economy, a massive destruction of jobs, and the current educational system in Germany. From this perspective, the paper examines quality improvement and assessment in German teacher education, focusing on political influences. (SM)

A 3-year study of 10 racially mixed schools implementing detracking shows how elite parents undermine the reforms by threatening flight, co-opting those educators who have power and authority, obtaining support of the "not-quite elite," and using bribes. (SK)

A lawsuit against the National Science Foundation, alleging use of peer reviewers biased toward certain grant proposals and requesting information about peer reviewer identities, may lead to significant changes in how the federal government examines grant applications. Confidentiality of records and accountability for decisions are at issue. (MSE)

Argues for the necessity of developing a general theory of education that considers all dimensions of formal and nonformal education. Proposes a general model of analysis, applicable across societies, that encompasses the influences on education of ethnic groups and languages, natural environment and resources, modes of production, ideas and…

This essay responds to the paper by Joseph Agassi (in this issue) on the dire condition of cultural pluralism in Israel, suggesting that Agassi leaves out or obscures several crucial points and noting that, though Israel is hardly a paragon of cultural pluralism, there are increasing signs of change. (SM)

Describes how English department chairs might successfully order and structure their departments. Analyzes two central characteristics of English departments as political entities: purpose and values. Lists several observations about departmental organization. (HB)

Paper argues with a proposal that all members of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) must achieve National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accreditation. The roles of AACTE and NCATE in relation to state government and teacher education institutions are examined. (SM)

Two authors respond to each other's papers on the proposal that all members of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) be required to achieve National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accreditation to gain membership. (SM)

Discusses an 1869 meeting between George Peabody, educational philanthropist, and Robert E. Lee. The meeting focused public attention on the Peabody Education Fund and the South's educational plight. Significant measures of educational efforts in the South are directly attributable to several informal meetings centered around Peabody and Lee…

The funeral of George Peabody, educational philanthropist, took 96 days, involved 2 countries and many important political figures, and touched the lives of many people. The article presents a history of the life and self-made fortune of Peabody, then explains the complex funeral arrangements between Britain and the United States. (SM)

The federal government has had a small role in financing education since the adoption of the Constitution. The federal politics of education should be studied because such study illustrates and furthers conceptual analysis, information is abundant and accessible, the federal politics of education represents a singular set of institutions, and the…

Gives an overview of English educational practices in Russia. Focuses on the changes in the assessment of student achievement in English, with particular attention to high school English in Russia. (HB)

Discusses the concepts of rhetoric in general and specifically the generic triad in classical rhetoric. Outlines contemporary versions of the function and realm of rhetoric. Discusses the clash between Aristotle and Quintilian regarding the triad and its relationship to contemporary debates. (HB)

In this excerpt from her new book, "National Standards in American Education: A Citizen's Guide," Diane Ravitch argues that there are steps local school boards, parents, and communities can take to implement educational reform and high academic standards. (MLF)

Considers the ambiguity surrounding curriculum workers' conceptualizations of global education. Adopting a framework that encompasses nationalist, international commerce, and humanist perspectives, the article highlights how each viewpoint affects curriculum development, recommending that all three perspectives be considered and synthesized during…