Anti-scientific attitudes can impose substantial costs on societies. Can schools be an important agent in mitigating the propagation of such attitudes? This paper investigates the effect of the content of science education on anti-scientific attitudes, knowledge, and choices. The analysis exploits staggered reforms that reduce or expand the…

Recent comparative data on high school graduates show that many American students are not well prepared in fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and that there is a persistent achievement gap according to the socioeconomic backgrounds of students. The research for this paper focuses on the role of elementary education in…

In 2003, the National Commission on Writing released "The Neglected "R,"" its report on the state of writing instruction in the nation's schools. The report identified an apparent paradox: writing, which the Commission defines as an essential skill for the many that has helped transform the world, is nevertheless increasingly…

As the nation's economy continues its irrevocable shift from manufacturing toward idea-driven, creative industries, our schools--and the teaching and learning enterprise at the heart of our schools--need to undergo a transformation as well. The result of such a transformation needs to be a type of educational experience and expertise that will not…

Are America's schools broken? "Education Hell: Rhetoric vs. Reality" seeks to address misconceptions about America's schools by taking on the credo "what can be measured matters." To the contrary, Dr. Bracey makes a persuasive case that much of what matters cannot be assessed on a multiple choice test. The challenge for…

Focuses on the book "Civic Illiteracy and Education: The Battle for the Hearts and Minds of American Youth" (John Marciano) and Marciano's stated views. Explains that the book offers a starting point for addressing the state of civic education beyond the information gleaned from test scores. (CMK)

Provides information on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Evaluates the NAEP arts assessment on three different issues (fact finding, influencing instruction, and "placing product"), considering the political spin given the arts NAEP. Highlights several concerns regarding the arts literacy campaign as a vehicle for…

Discusses the workshop for advanced (secondary) statistical analysis of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 1997 Arts Reports Card, attended by a team of arts researchers. Provides a discussion on the Arts Report Card, the secondary analysis, and an explanation of the database. Highlights implications for the field. (CMK)

Offers answers to four common questions concerning the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) in order to assist music teachers in responding to questions asked by representatives of the press, administrators, parents, and other community members. Summarizes the key points that should be emphasized in responding to NAEP. (CMK)

Evaluates the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in the visual arts, discussing issues such as the formulation of performance expectations and reporting procedures. States that, when exploring the scores, the context within which the arts are taught must be considered. Asserts that educational improvement requires changes in the…

This report from the Goal 3 Technical Planning Subgroup focuses on three areas that have been identified as important to improving the citizenship education of students: community service, voter registration of 18- to 20-year-olds, and knowledge of citizenship. (The aim of Goal 3 of the National Education Goals is that by the year 2000 American…

Argues that standardized testing undermines creativity and individuality. Contends that standardized testing has more to do with control of education than excellence, and discusses the impact of the National Assessment of Educational Progress on educational control. Maintains that flexible, alternative testing can evaluate student performance…

As was the case when career education programs were begun during the end of the 19th century, business still want students trained to be successful in the world of work. Initially career type programs were established to provide a venue for students who were most likely not college bound, yet would leave high school with viable skills to meet the…