In the context of both rising antisemitism in the U.S. and the increasing popularity of states mandating the teaching of the Holocaust in K-12 schools, William Smith asks, are such legislative mandates effective? Can states achieve ambitious goals like preventing future genocides and reducing antisemitism by requiring that students learn about the…

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was designed to remedy the wrongs of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Yet Andrew Saultz, Jack Schneider, and Karalyn McGovern explain that, so far, it has failed to fundamentally alter how the federal government interacts with schools. They discuss the need for federal authority over issues of equity in education…

The California history and social science standards-based reform has been touted as the "gold standard" for state history curricula. But the standards, framework, and tests that constitute this reform provide inconsistent and contradictory criteria for teaching and assessing history and social science. An examination of the political…

Until confusion over institutional branches and satellites is cleared up, more precise statements of the scope and limitations of accreditation are devised, and better monitoring and accountability during the time between evaluation visits are achieved, private, voluntary accreditation only deserves two cheers. (Author/IRT)

The copy of a "Reader's Digest" article critical of the political activities of the National Education Association (NEA) is run with marginal comments written by Terry Herndon, NEA executive director. (IRT)

Critiques the concept of privatization in public education. Contracting for instructional services with providers who must make a profit does not guarantee instructional success or financial savings. (MD)

An end to the controversy over tax exemption for private schools is not likely soon. (Author)

Discusses the ramifications of privatization (the withdrawal of government as the creator and provider of services) for public education. Includes discussion of vouchers and of privatization of instructional services through the contracting of instructional services from private organizations. (MD)

Analyzes certain related historical developments, recent events, and current trends in order to measure their impact on education governance at the federal, state, and local levels. (Author/IRT)

A fictional letter "written" in 2005 laments the success of educational movements that, in the name of productivity, have placed increasing authority over curriculum in the hands of central government, leading to a homogenization of thinking and a dulling of creativity. (PGD)

Praises United States Secretary of Education William J. Bennett's 1986 elementary education report for presenting worthwhile observations on values, parents' responsibility, and teachers' professional roles. Criticizes Bennett's omission of implementation strategies, especially concerning the federal government's role in assisting minority and…

Discusses Canada's overlapping governmental authority as it affects education. (IRT)

Responding to an article from the April 1987 Phi Delta Kappan criticizing Chapter 1 structures, the author points out that radical changes will not improve the program, instead a broader "systems approach" for interpreting rules governing such programs is needed. (MD)

The National Governors' Association Task Force on Technology decided that schools have not generally become more productive through use of technology. Key recommendations center on encouraging educational technology demonstrations in schools, sponsoring research and development, supporting the creation of marketing mechanisms, and encouraging…

Based on interviews with Reagan administration officials and informed observers, this analysis chronicles changes in federal education policy since 1981 and summarizes the current positions of the administration, Congress, and the professional associations. The next two years are seen as crucial to the future direction of federal education policy.…