The incongruity of entreating the schools to pursue a course of excellence while demanding what is basic and minimum is commented on. The effects of federal intervention in public education are discussed. (MT)

Responds to a commentary on the author's changed opinion about teacher unions, expressing disagreement with the commentary's portrayal of the author, examining the only point of agreement (the inappropriateness of the subtitle of an article on teacher unions), and explaining the author's change in views from supporting teacher unions to supporting…

The general public ascribes student failure to diminished delivery of services by schools. Schools blame the public for lack of financial support. This paper addresses the need for educators to change the public's perception of education by stressing positive accomplishments. Suggestions for interaction with the community are offered. (MT)

Responds and takes exception to the assumptions and arguments of Myron Lieberman, who argues against teacher unionism and says it is the major obstacle to educational reform. After summarizing Lieberman's discussion of contemporary teacher unions, concludes that Lieberman is biased against teacher unions in his analysis of their contemporary…

This theme issue examines New Harmony, the site of two utopian experiments in the nineteenth century. This history of the Harmonists and their lasting impact on public education is discussed in a series of articles. (MT)

Teacher unions have faced significant criticism since their emergence three decades ago, resulting in serious reductions in their roles. Now, they are working to transform themselves, supporting educational reform initiatives while maintaining their advocacy role for teachers. The paper examines political, social, and organizational factors that…

The author advocates his belief in the separation of church and state, considers the implications of complete separation, and discusses the "resurgence of religion in our public school system," as well as the "intrusion of religious authority into the privacy of personal bio-ethics issues." (JM)

Over the past two years, the KEYS (Keys to Excellence in Your School) project research team, in concert with National Education Association (NEA) leaders, members, and advisors, has completed many important tasks in improving the quality of public education by disseminating information, lobbying for quality education, and refining the original…

Presents a conceptual framework for educational change that is based on systems and complexity theories and organizational change, illustrating how it works by discussing the strategies and achievements of some of the most progressive American teacher unions working to change education today. Strategies include developing internal coherence,…

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) is a major component in the general design of the governance of Indiana's state colleges. This paper examines the CHE's history, discusses its relationship with Indiana's state colleges, and notes that CHE decisions affecting public higher education are often influenced more by politics, economics,…

Describes the need to reform teacher unions, highlighting the Rochester (New York) Teacher Association's commitment to union and school reform and examining the Teacher Union Reform Network (TURN). Created by the National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers, TURN redesigns teachers' unions so they can be more effective…

Presents the history of the Newark Teachers Union, explaining how it reached out to teachers who had previously kept their distance by emphasizing professionalism and collective bargaining. However, 25 years later, teachers are disappointed because the Newark schools continued to decline despite the union victory, and the union itself became…

When conflicts arise between the call for information in the name of public interest and the teacher's right to privacy, teachers' privacy should be respected by school boards and administrators unless the teacher's private life impairs the fulfillment of professional responsibilities. (IAH)

Describes the original four intents of teacher unionism, examining issues that have created controversy (e.g., inordinate amount of time devoted to issues not strictly related to wages, hours, and wage-related fringe benefits) and problems inherent in the bargaining process (e.g., abdication of administrative decision making). The paper discusses…

The Coleman Report (1966) considered schools only as effective as the surrounding society, with academic achievement dependent on conditions beyond school control. The article offers the author's reflections on the Coleman Report and discusses its implications for schools today, as well as future directions. (SM)