This book argues that rather than pursuing a debate defined by controversy over who should be taught, what should be taught, and how it should be paid for, Americans must address education for what it is: the well-spring of democracy in the United States. Education must emphasize democracy as much as it does the pursuit of excellence. By doing…

Noam Chomsky's prolific writings have made him one of the most-quoted educators in history--the only living writer on a most-cited list that includes Plato, Shakespeare, and Freud. Yet until now, no book has systematically offered Chomsky's influential writings on education. In this book, Noam Chomsky encourages a larger understanding of…

Presents the author's recommendations, based on both broad visions and practical concerns, for reconceiving and improving curriculum. (MCG)

The current efforts to reform U.S. education are misguided because they place increased burdens on the schools and ignore the total learning environment. The majority of youth step out of school into an intellecutal vacuum of no feedback and no enrichment. The home, the school, and the community must be involved in a holistic way with education,…

This document describes the principles in a learning college, opportunities to create learning colleges, and key factors in molding an institution into a learning college. The principles state that a learning college: 1) creates substantive change in individual learners; 2) engages learners in the learning process as full partners who must assume…

Reports on a review of brochures and catalogs from postsecondary institutions in the former East and West Germany. Finds that East German institutions emphasized regional-historical links, client orientation, and stylized over orientation; that West German institutions emphasize pluralism, public responsibility, and a "variety/fun"…

Author Jing Lin contends that there is a great need for educators to reconceptualize education in the 21st century. Here, she discusses the danger of global wars, environmental breakdown, moral vacuum and nihilism in society, and the problems in current debates on school reform. This book calls for a school that facilitates the formation of a…

The new vocationalism arising out of 1980s educational reforms caused a resurgence of interest in high school vocational education and in the integration of academic and vocational education. The dominant economic motive of the new vocationalism has found expression in the 1990s school-to-work movement. These reform efforts signal the triumph of…

Discusses ways to promote a European curriculum against two political tendencies: (1) attacks on "Eurocentrism"; and (2) the ongoing educational cooperation among European nations. Provides three as guidelines for future development: (1) critical attitude; (2) curricular pluralism; and (3) free discussion and human rights. (CFR)

Purpose: This paper aims to discuss how public school administrators with a social justice perspective have an obligation to permeate society beyond their schools and how they might address the perilous politics associated with advocating social change. Using George Counts' landmark 1932 speech, Dare the School Build a New Social Order? as the…

This sourcebook contends that arts education is essential to a good education, and that legislators and others interested in educational reform will find that arts education can help to solve broader problems in education and help students succeed. Organized into five chapters, the first chapter discusses a recent movement that has worked for an…

Most of us started our superintendency committed to keeping our eye on the higher purposes of education, vowing not to get bogged down in the managerial details. John Wiens shares his quest for an intellectual understanding of the role, a meaningful theory of leadership, and the creation of an environment that helped others pursue similar quests.…

Discusses the history of Asian universities, their position today, and what the transitions represent for the future. Describes the major debate in the past as concerning the preservation of traditional cultural values while becoming modern institutions. Argues that Asian universities need to recognize the great relevance of traditions to social…

By examining the trends in equity and academic excellence, this monograph interprets America's history of educational reform. The first section, "The Legacy of Reform," analyzes themes after colonial times. William Penn and Benjamin Franklin advocated humanitarian, middle-class education following the American Revolution. By the late…

Argues that standardized testing undermines creativity and individuality. Contends that standardized testing has more to do with control of education than excellence, and discusses the impact of the National Assessment of Educational Progress on educational control. Maintains that flexible, alternative testing can evaluate student performance…