This book presents an analysis and critique of the historical context and forces that have shaped and still continue to influence contemporary mainstream American education. Its central argument is that the nation itself, not the schools, has entered into a decline, and that the education of youth for the sake of national economic superiority is a…

A comparison of the philosophies and pedagogies of Waldorf and Montessori schools points out that no single educational perspective can encompass all possibilities of human growth. Educators should attend to the "seed qualities" of alternative educational philosophies rather than their dogmas. A caring relationship between teachers and students is…

Explains the concept and context of holistic education, focusing on the Chicago Statement on Education (June 1990) issued by 80 diverse holistic educators. The article introduces five articles in the same issue of "Teacher Education Quarterly" on holistic education and its implications for teacher education. (SM)

Discusses the philosophy and purposes of public education. The belief that preparation for employment and the imposition of moral consensus are not legitimate purposes of education, and that democracy cannot be taught in the controlling, hierarchical structure that public education has become, leads many to look to alternative education to nurture…

The originators of partnership education describe it as a progressive, holistic, gender-balanced perspective on teaching and curriculum. The inclusion of the feminist perspective allows it to escape the power paradigm on which traditional education is based and focus on moral purpose and caring relationships. Ways to apply partnership theory to…