The theoretical structure of the concept of "legitimacy," the combination of value and authority ascribed to the existing system, is examined and applied to the governance of higher education in South Africa. It is argued that the concept is unfairly given a political connotation because of its association with policy formation, which…

Examines the political thinking underpinning strategies and counterstrategies used by school administrators and black leaders struggling over the fate of seven black youths who protested against unfair treatment in their suburban high school. Midlevel administrators aligned with bureaucratic control images were ineffective at interpreting and…

In the early 1980s, public school teachers in Chiapas, Mexico, organized themselves in a dissident mass movement aimed at democratizing their participation in union affairs and restructuring the relations of domination and subordination affecting their work lives. Macro-level analysis focuses on union corruption situated within an authoritarian…

Addresses the legal interface between the privatization of school services and the politics of urban education. Considers the political forces both outside and within education, as well as the problem of privatization contracting undertaken without considering the legal ramifications. Offers suggestions for education leaders who may wish to…

Options (busing, magnet schools, vouchers, and charters) proffered to make urban public schools more effective have met with political debate and mixed success. Suggests 14 basic policy initiatives that have sufficient use and research support to create genuine opportunities for student success. (Contains 13 references.) (Author/MLF)

Governments restrict choice about what students learn within the public school system in the name of improved performance and accountability, but have simultaneously introduced choice among schools by enabling "exit" from the public system. Defenders of public education need to consider how public schools can provide citizens with…

Countries with good education systems have good health and transportation systems and equitable access to health care and public services. One must look at education in terms of inputs, not production or outputs. When healthy, well-fed, well-housed children enter an education system that provides transportation and access to books, dictionaries,…

With America at war, schools struggle to help students understand cause and effect of conflict. Interviewed in early March, some teachers say they try not to let impressionable adolescents know how they feel about the controversial American policy on use of force in Iraq. Others say that while they present both sides of the issue, it is only right…

Presents the stories of three black, female, activist teachers who combined teaching and politics to help fight South Africa's apartheid regime. They promoted alternative curricula and worked against apartheid oppression. Each believed in the struggle and, although they believed in nonracialism, they identified as black, a political construction…

Suggests that Britain's QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) has not taken responsibility for an anti-racist approach to curriculum or pedagogy. Instead, this has been left to individuals and local authorities. Presents general principles for antiracist teaching and learning (e.g., teachers must examine their own values and assumptions…

Explores defects in the U.S. system of higher education, particularly professional degree-granting institutions. It is suggested that the system's pivotal fault is an emphasis on an antiquated, authoritarian method of education which reflects an antidemocratic ideology, meritocracy. The case of Boston University is used to discuss these views.…

Factor analysis of 38 interviews with classroom teachers regarding working collaboratively with parents revealed that some teachers have apprehensions about involving parents when potential problems are perceived and the teachers believe they do not have sufficient time to involve parents. (MLF)

Examines the struggle between dominant and minority groups in terms of the use of language. Traces the development of literacy as a means of social control in the United States and England. Argues that linking literacy with standard language creates an effective form of ideological hegemony. (FMW)

Analyzes Reagan's foreign economic policy, and presents reasons for the misinformation surrounding Reaganomics. Outlines the Reagan administration's economic goals, including a discussion of the U.S. trade deficit and attempts to remedy it. Addresses criticisms launched against Reagan's economic policy, and provides cross-country data on budget…

Traces the evolution of the National Security Council (NSC) under President Reagan. Examines the structure of the Reagan NSC and compares the structure of the Reagan NSC to that of his predecessors. Analyzes the rebuilding of the NSC in the aftermath of the Iran Contra Affair and the policy mistakes of the NSC in that affair. (RW)