This article discusses how a bottom-up approach to learning can be positioned within a top-down educational structure. For the first time, Iran's educational system has witnessed a shift from a one-dimensional teacher-centered approach to the triangular student-facilitator-parent approach. While the majority of children's participative activities…

Research suggests that the limits of teacher autonomy are defined by educational policies. Educational policies, however, are driven by political culture. This study examines the relationship between teacher autonomy and political culture and how this relationship varies with teacher and school characteristics. Using the "2011-2012 Schools…

One measure of current education reform in Hong Kong is reporting school performance to the public to increase the transparency and accountability of schools, enhance parents' right of access to information, and provide guides for choosing schools. This article examines the controversies and politics involved and shows how the sociopolitical…

Policy makers' attempts to improve low-achieving schools through reform measures are not new to the 21st century. Research asserts that this policy churn has done little, if anything, to change student achievement levels. Based on the research, I assert that policy reforms such as teacher evaluations and test-based assessment, and school…

Investigates problems in the Chicago Public Schools by examining political and legislative processes, key players, and key events that created the Illinois legislature's unprecedented decision to turn total control of this school district over to the Chicago mayor's office. Addresses this issue through Kingdon's work on the first two phases of the…

Politics of education in 1980s will be played out primarily at the state level. The task will be to maintain existing support levels, and advocates will have to provide hard evidence about the benefits of particular policy choices and about the larger social interests associated with public education. (CMG)

Four studies are discussed, showing that micropolitics evolve within a complicated, contradictory, dynamic, and interwoven world. The methodology of micropolitics must be examined via more appropriate means than those used in the studies critiqued. An approach committed to a direct effect on the practice of education is recommended. (RLC)

Asserts that accountability in charter schools is largely a political issue and not a technical, instrumental question as the rhetoric suggests. Drawing on Texas student performance data and interviews with key state policymakers, the paper concludes that viewing accountability in charter schools as a technical issue ignores the larger political…

Examines the governance style of the local school councils (LSCs) to determine the extent to which they are operating in a democratic, open, and participatory manner. It looks at the politics as manifested in LSCs and determines whether democracy exists in this site of power and, if it does, whether it is encouraged in school politics overall.…

The controversy surrounding Pennsylvania's efforts to implement its version of outcome-based education (OBE) is a cautionary tale of contemporary public school reform. Religious conservatives have succeeded in undermining OBE in Pennsylvania, and their ambition is to affect the direction of public educational policy nationwide. (SLD)

Examines the charter school movement in California and elsewhere, defines a charter school, gives its historical roots, and summarizes the availability of charter schools in states where they are authorized. The author indicates that charter schools are sought mainly in disadvantaged urban communities and that these schools are not facing strong…

Schools are examined using a common sociological perspective. Relationships among key groups in school organizations are discussed from a micropolitical frame of reference. School micropolitics are considered in terms of teacher autonomy, order, time, and school administrators and the organization. Implications for future micropolitical research…

Describes the most prominent of the conservative citizens' groups and reviews the strategies they have used in their efforts to affect U.S. public education. Although there is evidence of some compromise, there are areas where it may never be possible to find common ground. (SLD)

Traces the historic separation of city public schools from city politics. This rift has created lasting institutional barriers between schools and the changing currents of urban politics. The development of the Los Angeles Unified School District as an exemplar of Progressive reform is reviewed revealing an insular school system only recently…

Addresses the legal interface between the privatization of school services and the politics of urban education. Considers the political forces both outside and within education, as well as the problem of privatization contracting undertaken without considering the legal ramifications. Offers suggestions for education leaders who may wish to…