Three books are the subject of this review essay: (1) Avril Keating's (2014) publication, "Education for Citizenship in Europe: European Policies, National Adaptations and Young People's Attitudes"; (2) "The Political Classroom: Evidence and Ethics in Democratic Education", Diana Hess and Paula McAvoy (2015); and (3) "We…

The pressing need to improve achievement in American schools is widely recognized. In "Tests, Testing, and Genuine School Reform," Herbert J. Walberg draws on scientific studies of tests and their uses to inform citizens, educators, and policy makers about well-established principles of testing, current problems, and promising evidence-based…

Global student mobility is one of the fastest growing phenomena in higher education in the twenty-first century. Over three million students are currently mobile, crossing geographic, cultural, digital, and educational borders in the pursuit of an international education--a movement that has significant consequences for higher education…

The leader in education is engaged in work that is difficult, complicated, and at times risky. It calls for purposeful and often daring activity. It is an undertaking that is coherent in intent and thrilling in execution. This is the experience of leaders at all levels who have achieved success in the transformation of schools. Drawing widely on…

Summarizes Meira Levinson's argument that parental choice by and large reduces autonomy and, therefore, ultimately reduces the liberty of each succeeding generation. Recommends that all public educators read this book to grasp the magnitude of the potential effects that privatization of education may have on liberty and choice of future…

Critics review 14 books recommended for school board members' summer reading. (MLF)

Reviews seven new books that make a strong case for moral education, offering insights into problems facing today's young people and suggesting strategies for improving the moral climate in schools. (MLF)

This study is designed to facilitate access for policymakers to the wealth of recent reports on American education. Section 1 examines the findings and compares the recommendations of nine of these reports in such areas as school organization and management, curriculum, and teachers and teaching. The report synopses in section 2, which are largely…

The editors of "The American School Board Journal" pick 13 titles noted briefly that represent what they consider the most important, most interesting, most controversial books about children and schools to hit the bookstores this past year. Lists ordering information to obtain a 20% discount from the School Leaders' Book Service. (MLF)

There has recently been an explosion of interest and writing about autism, autism spectrum disorders, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDDNOS). This issue of the "Early Childhood Bulletin" suggests readings for parents, therapists, and professionals serving on Interagency…

The first of two documents presented, "Better Mathematics for K-8" (Iris M. Carl), describes the underlying assumptions, purpose, origin, formation, goals, and content of the "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics" produced by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Information on implementing the Standards is…

Reviews the 1989 report, "A Common Destiny: Blacks and American Society," which examines the anticipated and unanticipated consequences of initiatives since 1940 to improve the Blacks' social position. Criticizes the report for omitting evidence concerning racial differences in intelligence and criminal activity at the individual level. (FMW)

Three authors respond to the findings of a study by Griffiths and King, which was contracted by the Department of Education to identify the professional competencies that should be encompassed by library and information science programs, and the methods by which the competencies' relation to professional performance may be evaluated. (CLB)

Reviews seven books that concern some of the tough issues in schools such as violence, racial bias, and poverty. Suggests that school board members who read these books can have a firsthand look into the lives of students, teachers, parents, and school executives. Information on ordering the books is provided. (MLF)

Among the current crop of business leadership manuals, the six reviewed are applicable for school leaders as well. Themes of effective employee management and motivation, personal responsibility, and having the ability to initiate and implement constructive change are among the common threads running through the books. Information on ordering the…