This article identifies and discusses eight common interpretations of back-to-basics: (1) less funding; (2) more discipline; (3) educate fewer, better students; (4) moral education; (5) primacy of intellectual objectives; (6) hard subjects; (7) less student decision making; (8) establishing standards. (IAH)

Two prominent leaders in education, Charles Suhor and Jane Stallings, are interviewed concerning the present status and significant effects of the basic skills movement, the effect the National Commission on Excellence in Education report will have on basic skills education, and the number one priority for education in the future. (DCS)

Music is not a "frill" to be done away with in the call for a return to the basics. It is a means of cultural expression and universal communication. Music permits students to express themselves and to learn the values of self-discipline and pride of accomplishment. (CS)

Three suggestions for schools in the face of computerization are discussed. Educators should: (1) take a critical attitude; (2) raise questions of value, as well as of effectiveness; and (3) be alert to the transfer to education of computer language, and the constrictions that could result. (MT)

The document presents 14 essays designed to help art educators understand the nature and scope of basic education and what and how the arts contribute to it. John Goodlad presents a basis for considering the arts as an essential ingredient of schooling. A. Graham Down discusses the concerns of the Council for Basic Education and suggests that arts…

Geography instruction provides a basis for more education and for life. A knowledge of geography is basic to the study of history, economics, political science, geology, biology, and many other disciplines. Geographical knowledge is essential for daily activities such as reading a newspaper or comprehending world events. (RM)

Traditional skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic may not be adequate for preparing students to enter today's highly technological and visual society. The role of the art educator is crucial in developing the visual skills which are increasingly necessary in a world of visual communication. (IS)

In each era of curriculum reform the prevailing perceptions of what the school curriculum must accomplish define the standard of cultural literacy for our society. E. D. Hirsch believes that contemporary youth lack cultural literacy and that without this knowledge of the fundamental facts of U.S. culture they cannot effectively read or…

The paper notes the importance of a series of studies and reports on the current educational condition that acted as a catalyst for the increased attention on educators. The underlying theme in these studies is a call for a return to a strong basic education and a refocusing on the traditional discipline-oriented curriculum. (SSH)

Minimal competency testing of students can be an effective tool for improving educational quality if applied appropriately with adequate safeguards. The failure of academic standards through grade inflation, a policy of social promotion rather than academic promotion, and weak curricula has reduced public confidence in education and encouraged…

A review of ecological problems facing human society is presented and the relationship of education to social change is considered. Basic environmental limitations which are discussed include population; basic materials such as food, fuels, and water; and environmental tolerance. Ecological hazards which combine with these limitations to result in…

This staff report summarizes testimony on competitiveness and the quality of the American work force. The testimony was received during 9 days of hearings held between September 23 and December 3, 1987, that featured 52 witnesses including federal and state officials, educators, business and labor leaders, and scholars. Contents comprise prepared…