This article briefly analyzes the Spellings Commission Report on Higher Education, places it in the context of other American education reforms, and suggests ways for literacy educators to respond to this latest call for accountability in ways that are cognizant of political realities without compromising the integrity of our profession.

This collection of essays from some of the most active progressive thinkers and organizers in the U.S. offers a broad perspective on the problems of the growing corporatization of the university. The following 30 chapters are: (1) "The Tricks of Academe" (Lawrence Soley); (2) "The Goods at Their Worst: Campus Procurement in the…

Discusses criticism asserting that when business schools and professors "cozy up" to corporations for money and real-word experience, students learn that ethics do not count. (EV)

The Greening Challenge, an Australian volunteer-based environmental project, engaged employees of Western Power and their families in an annual tree-planting venture to plant 1 million trees by 2000. The goal was reached in 1999. (JOW)

Describes how many companies are cutting back on once-generous software donations to cash-strapped colleges, and are seeking quid pro quos when they do give. (EV)

Presents an interview with B. Keith Fulton, recognized authority on the digital divide, vice president of the AOL Time Warner Foundation, and senior director for social innovations for the company's corporate relations division. He discusses efforts to develop and manage domestic and international programs that promote digital opportunity. (EV)

Discusses the pros and cons of commercial activity in the schools, explaining that while schools always need the added support, the result is that students are bombarded with commercial messages. Commercial activity includes direct advertising, product sales/incentive programs, and indirect advertising. Discusses the importance of ensuring that…

Surveyed North Carolina high school principals to explore their views on schoolhouse commercialism (both the propriety and the utility of having a commercial presence at school). Principals viewed commercialism as a way to improve their schools, and thus, their students' education. Although businesses, principals, and students appeared to be…

The New American Schools Development Corporation (NASDC) was established in 1991 by President Bush to funnel corporate funds into innovative designs for "new American schools." NASDC's board will decide on a few proposals that will receive up to $20 million each over 5 years to develop, implement, and market their designs. These…

Describes the school-business partnership developed at the Alice Smith Elementary School in Minnesota. Includes a discussion of nine guidelines for schools to follow in the development of corporate-school relationships. (MD)

Describes how the Philadelphia Eagles helped Drew Elementary School in West Philadelphia to transform an unappealing asphalt area into a playground. (EV)

The Central Bucks (Pennsylvania) Educational Foundation is one of approximately 1,500 public education foundations established by cities, towns, and school districts across the nation. About 65 urban districts have foundations belonging to the Public Education Fund Network. Annual budgets range from $3 thousand to $2 million. Benefits and startup…

A 1988 survey of 58 medical schools found that medical schools vary widely in the commercial support received for medical-school-based continuing medical education (CME) courses. Results indicate that commercial support is a sizable secondary source of CME revenue that warrants monitoring and study. (JOW)

Discusses why it is important to be cautious and do careful assessment before giving donors name recognition as a reward for their generosity. Examples of how some schools have handled naming-rights deals are highlighted. The problem arising when a donor's actions embarrass the school is addressed. (GR)

Discusses the shift from public funding of the university to corporate sponsorship and dependence on other private sources. Acknowledges how students are forced into corporate jobs to repay school debt. Suggests using English to promote a setting which encourages students to value people over profits, enjoy access to quality education, and value…