Presents a case study of institutional response to policy-driven/donor-influenced teacher-education reforms in Zambia, exploring perceptions and reactions of teacher educators as they cope with a new teacher-education paradigm and examining how policy-driven reforms can be at cross-purposes with, and destabilize, the professional beliefs of the…

Contemporary globalization is a continuation of European colonialism, shaped by the Protestant capitalist ethic and technology. The changing mandates of teaching and education under the influence of globalization are identified. Possibilities for teaching in the age of globalization are explored under three themes: recovery of personal truth,…

Group interviews of Scottish students in grades 6 and 9 discussed citizenship education, learning beyond school, the learner as decision maker, and politics. Students sought to widen their opportunities to be involved in decisions about learning and school life. They adopted a moral and social interpretation of citizenship, however, and tended to…

Examines the short-lived imposition by the Singaporean government of religious knowledge as a compulsory subject for upper secondary students. The original required course contained six options: Bible knowledge, Islamic religious knowledge, Buddhist studies, Confucian ethics, Hindu studies, and Sikh studies. The course became optional in 1989.…

The current state of education in Russia strongly correlates with the socioeconomic crisis, which negatively impacts education. Responsibility for education falls to the state and other social institutions, which form a system of education. The many laws, decrees, and rules about education have had little impact on practice. School democratization…

Presents a history of teacher unionism in Canada, comparing it to the development of teacher unionism in the United States. Union membership was mandated, although teachers had (and still have) little power except that related to professional misconduct. Recently, structural changes have included the introduction of a provincially-legislated…

Describes a case study of an educational planner in an Ontario, Canada, school district who successful managed a crisis involving crowded schools, shrinking resources, and an identified need for dual-language education. Understanding and effectively handling political processes, community relations, and local values were critical. A visionary…

A distinctive Canadian school of thought on educational change is inclined to synthesize diverse bodies of work and integrate nonrational and emotional dimensions with rational and technically effective ones in a socially critical way. Highlights the Canadian perspective through discussions about complex systems, contexts of change, critical…

Initially, Kansas prohibited school segregation except for elementary schools in cities over 15,000 people. As Topeka annexed areas in the early 20th century, African Americans accustomed to integration filed court challenges, which failed. Subsequent efforts to desegregate Topeka are traced, through the landmark 1954 case. Black teachers in…

Research says the school-improvement mechanisms favored by policymakers-more certification tests (like the Massachusetts Educator Certification Test that 59 percent of candidates failed in 1998), higher cut scores, and severe penalties for institutions not meeting pass rates-are unlikely to deliver increased accountability and better teachers.…

Presents findings of a case study investigating participation of faculty, student, and support staff representatives on college boards in Alberta from an organizational politics perspective. Analyzes data collected at three colleges via interviews, document review, and meeting observations. Constrained by power exercised outside formal…

The extent to which college teachers should disclose their own ethical and political views, or serve as advocates of them, is discussed. It is argued that the teacher who can convey the strengths of positions he opposes and weaknesses of those he embraces models critical reflection, encouraging and empowering critical thought in students. (MSE)

Identifies the components of the current social trend, "McDonaldization", as efficiency, calculability, predictability, and the substitution of nonhuman technology for human technology (or control). Contends that market forces and mass production have imposed "McDonaldization," on the British educational system. Considers…

Endorses U.S. political history as a colorful and interesting resource for teaching important historical and social science concepts: order and change, elitism and pluralism, creating structures, the Constitution, and the formation of political parties. Discusses these concepts and gives examples of each. (MJP)

School choice is a market-driven reform in which schools compete for students. Discusses characteristics of choice and lessons drawn from the international experience: increased segregation, unimproved learning, low participation, parental criteria, inequity, lack of options, administrative emphasis on management, and right-wing support. Describes…