Argues that the propensity and capacity of many adults to conduct self-directed learning projects is now well proven, and that researchers should now infuse a spirit of self-critical scrutiny into this developing field of research. Advances four criticisms regarding the current state of self-directed learning research. (Author/CT)

To succeed in the new educational marketplace, British schools must change their teaching and administration focus to one of strategic planning, policy formation, and implementation. Unless schools develop a strategic marketing approach that shapes a coherent change program and educates client perceptions of need, they will be driven by a…

Educators must realize that expectations should be appropriate and positive. Teachers who are not familiar with the culture of their students may not know what to expect. Schools may unknowingly promote failure by basing expectations on middle class norms. Two exemplary case studies of bilingual students are presented. (VM)

Many white, middle-class teachers tend to dismiss their students' cultures and judge parental involvement by their own behavioral norms. Many nontraditional literary experiences occur as parents and children go about their daily lives. Teachers may also have limited views of parental competence, motivation, and home-school collaboration. Teachers…

Neoliberalism claims that privatization, marketization, uniform standards, and accountability--some important dynamics surrounding globalization in education--increase choices and quality in education. However, numerous studies show that the market has consistently devalued alternatives; increased the power of dominant models; and exacerbated…

A study of three London local education authorities explored the dynamics of British education markets. Findings showed that the market is a middle-class mode of social engagement; parental choice is class- and race-informed; schools are increasingly oriented toward meeting middle-class parents' perceived needs; and secondary schooling is becoming…

In a series of essays, the author analyzes and comments on the perceived weaknesses of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) testing program. The basis of his criticism is that the NAEP has attempted to establish national norms, thereby disregarding the pluralistic nature of American society and the historical basis for community…