Criticizes the use of a conceptual matrix in an undergraduate history of economic thought course. A conceptual matrix is a visual display advocated by John Bean and Dean Peterson that cross references normative and economic issues with their historical contexts. Argues that this promotes rote learning and stifles critical thinking. (MJP)

Reviews treatment of African Americans and academic issues as depicted in children's literature from the 1900s through the 1950s. Discusses the portrayal of students, parents, teachers, and family members and their impact on academic achievement. (MAK)

Explores the central pragmatist and feminist philosophical assumption that knowers cannot be separated from what is known, that there is a dialectical relationship between social beings and ideas. Argues for embracing pluralistic and democratic commitments on epistemological and moral grounds. (KS)

Suggests there are flaws in the National Standards for United States History that could be detrimental to students. According to the author, in their pervasive present-mindedness and self-censorship, the standard's framers underestimate and ill-serve the students because the standards help develop a smug, superior, and self-righteous attitude…

Argues that the Library Bill of Rights aims to codify First Amendment doctrine and the interests of librarians but falls short. Law allows distinctions between government and private action and reaffirms the discretion of decision makers. The Library Bill of Rights, as shown in discussion of several court decisions, is often far more rigid.…

Critiques school reform evaluation and common misconceptions about it. The article warns against using evaluation to sort students in ways that hinder them from gaining quality education or force teachers into implementing school changes that are unresponsive to students' learning problems. Study findings involving school improvement efforts are…

Presents the results of a study of two fifth-grade reading groups, one comprised of all girls and the other of mixed gender. Discusses results in a reflective essay format, suggesting that the group of girls was more emotional in their observations and the mixed group was more action and plot oriented. (TB)

Describes an art activity titled "Art Clue" that is designed for prereaders or beginning readers. Helps students to carefully observe, interpret, and discuss works of art while making connections to three other content areas (language arts, mathematics, and social studies). (CMK)

Describes art programs that were given at several elementary Australian schools focusing on Christmas and Easter. Explains that the programs are based on the accounts of the birth and death of Jesus given in the Bible. States that the programs integrate studio art, art criticism, and art history. (CMK)

Argues that the rising tide of "efficiency" in contemporary education often masks reductions in educational quality and equity and efforts to reduce public investments in education. Analyzes historical and comparative examples in U.S., U.K., and Australian reform movements; the methodology of comparative education; and ongoing reforms in…

Suggest that autobiography ought to be considered both the telling of one's story and the using of that story with others to understand and use difference productively. Claims that autobiography, as telling and interacting, dismantles the universalistic tug of science as local knowledge. Presents selected autobiographical accounts to make both…

Describes an experience of trying to publish a book whose contents are in some ways marginal to what is normally considered science or science education. During the publishing process, ideas about what counts as science got tangled up with what counts as "credible" science, "marketable" literature, and academic competence. (Contains 26…

Argues that current models of art criticism distort the actual discourse of critics and force educators to rely upon a problematic instructional method: classroom recitation. Suggests that critical inquiry, rather than critical discourse, is a more fruitful concept for structuring art criticism instruction and proposes a model based on this…

Utilizes a theoretical framework of the media's role in reporting conflict and uncertain science, and feminism and science in a thematic analysis of magazine coverage given Rachel Carson and "the Rachel Carson of '90s," Theo Colborn. Notes that Carson and Colborn's identities as women, scientists, and agitators led critics to charge that…

The death of a 17-year-old British girl on a youth expedition to Vietnam prompts questions about the ethics and role of expedition education and about accreditation and regulation of the adventure field. Should the agenda be controlled by a central corporation, government, or the field itself? Those in the field should present a united front on…