Discusses conflict between Blacks and Jews in the entertainment world, particularly in the film, television, and music industries. Traces Black-Jewish interaction from vaudeville to present-day Hollywood, Broadway, and the recording studio. Describes controversial remarks by performers and public figures, and calls for an end to insults and…

A discussion of the history of China's higher education system summarizes the main characteristics of the traditional scholarly institutions and considers the western academic models introduced by foreign missionaries, those selected and implemented by Chinese modernizers, and the Soviet academic model adopted by Chinese Communist leaders in the…

Blacks in cities remain segregated and economically disadvantaged. Differences between races are far more important than social stratification in Blacks' deteriorating economic condition. Because the spatial and political containment of Black populations has actually reduced their effect on cities' economic fortunes, political strategies for Black…

Central American immigrants, who have recently entered the United States in large numbers, may become integrated in the social structure, be confined in a low-wage and -status sector, or create an ethnic enclave. They are at high risk for joining Mexican Americans at the bottom of the socioeconomic system. (AF)

Examines the effect of state-mandated policy, emphasizing control through performance-based instruction and student test scores as the basis for determining school accreditation, and the teaching and learning of science. Indicates that the state-mandated policy has some unexpected and negative results on teacher behavior. (Author/YP)

Why established institutional forms of schooling have been so stable and why most challenges do not succeed is studied through case studies of reform that include the Dalton Plan; the Eight-Year Study, a secondary school reform plan; and the new model flexible high school of the 1960s. (SLD)

Three plans for reforming the financing of students wishing to attend college, therefore improving college affordability, are outlined: (1) improving the college loan system; (2) mitigating high tuition with high student aid; and (3) making comprehensive changes at all levels of the college finance system (the Plan of the National Commission on…

In Smith vs. Regents of the University of California, the California Supreme Court established new constitutional limitations on use of mandatory student fees. This article examines the Court's restriction of use of funds for ideological or controversial extracurricular programs and concludes that the distinction between educational and political…

This Louisiana System for Teaching and Learning Assessment and Review (STAR) illustrates conceptual, methodological, and social/political issues emerging when the decision-making model used to make teacher certification decisions does not fit the assumptions of the measurement system used to collect the data. (SLD)

Shrinking state funding and pressure for accountability are forcing institutions of higher education to overhaul their missions, take stock of their spending, and inevitably, reorganize themselves as they prepare for an increasingly competitive college market. Data on average state tuition increase, and appropriations to higher education are…

A historical case study of the construction and reconstruction of race between the late 19th century and the 1940s is used to document the ways in which the social, cultural, political, and historical contexts in which knowers are embedded influence the knowledge they construct and reconstruct. (Author/SLD)

Argues that affirmative action for women and minorities works well, continues to be necessary, and benefits the country. Race- and gender-conscious remedies have proved essential and remain so. Recent assaults on affirmative action mean that national leaders must do a better job of educating the public. (SLD)

Discusses teacher education reform and development during the Chinese Reform Era since 1978, and explains why it is so difficult to implement reforms in China. The author focuses on preservice teacher education provided at teachers' colleges or normal universities and the shift of China's resources and attention away from teacher preparation. (GR)

The basic world views of liberals and conservatives (or politically correct and politically incorrect individuals) on college campuses are compared. Both groups are urged to identify goals and strategies for equity for which consensus is possible. Alternative models for campus order and openness are encouraged, as are more global, international,…

Skill is a social construct that assumes different meanings in particular historical circumstances. This paper explains how the dominant concept of skill has shifted in twentieth-century Australia from being job- and content-specific to a more generic view (embracing cognitive, technical, and operational, social, and affective skills) that…