Examines aspects of initial teacher education and continuing professional development in Scotland against the backdrop of McCrone Report recommendations on teaching conditions. Discusses teachers' attitudes toward their own professional development; the nature of professional knowledge, skills, and values; and some principles to promote genuine…

The story of a charter school closure is told from the perspectives of students, parents, teachers, and community members, who felt that the sponsoring district revoked the charter for political reasons despite broad local support. The experience underscores the necessity of publicly subjecting the relationship of the public school system and the…

Discusses the role in and influence on public policy of twentieth century First Ladies including Edith Roosevelt, Helen Taft, Ellen Wilson, Edith Wilson, Florence Harding, Lou Henry Hoover, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jacqueline Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, and Hillary Rodham Clinton. (CMK)

Considers how the process of developing standards is similar to previous development efforts such as defining "objectives" and "competencies" just a few decades ago. Analyzes how such standard development processes when combined with high stakes tests place teachers in the position of implementing curricula designed by others.…

The emergence of a number 2 post (chief academic officer) focused on instructional leadership brings a new dynamic to the central office-particularly those headed by nontraditional superintendents. Used in universities, the CAO title lends cache. Women can get stuck in CAO positions; a few districts are eliminating them. (MLH)

Examines the politically laden nature of several current school reform efforts building on proposals to bolster the economy and promote traditional values. All appear moot when considering the postmodern condition, which deprecates the quest for better science and "best" schooling conditions. Change is nonlinear and apolitical. (Contains 105…

An administrator trainer/former superintendent's experience suggests that corporate governance models don't fit the reality of school governance in many districts. Elected board members define their roles differently than their business counterparts and derive little or no monetary benefit from public service. The "new breed" resemble…

Reviews an anthology that provides undergraduate and graduate students with theoretical and practical discussion on various ideological convictions in the fields of multiculturalism and bilingual education. Discusses theoretical conflicts and ideologies affecting the field of multiculturalism, and the more immediate effects of politics on teaching…

It is argued that issues of accountability, competition, the technology, and internationalization of education suggest it is in the best interest of Australian higher education to adopt strategic management techniques being promoted for the public sector. This includes new emphases on staffing policies and practices, resource allocation and…

Argues that too much emphasis on developing a nonsexist, antibias, peace-centered, politically correct day-care center curriculum may overly restrict children's imagination, creativity, and desires, leading to an educator-imposed bias in the curriculum. Educators should encourage children to engage in developmentally appropriate play activities…

Connects contemporary communitarian ideas to the agenda of the 19th-century populist movement. The populist educational agenda (the agrarian revolt and Farmers' Alliance) provides historical examples of the implementation of communitarian educational theory. The populist movement as an example of communitarianism highlights an instance of a…

Discusses community and morality in an international context, recommending a transnational ethic grounded in international custom and agreement and noting that the Nuremberg Obligation provides a foundation for such an ethic. The paper maintains that this ethic provides the moral foundation for a civic education cognizant of global…

This theme issue examines the impact of various religious groups on public education today. Articles identify activists, explore their agendas, analyze the legal framework of their efforts, and attempt to place recent events in a larger historical perspective. (SLD)

Reviews the European experience with standardized education, and discusses the cultural and democratic implications of a curriculum directed by national standards. Argues that national standards in education cannot solve economic problems or inequalities in minority access to educational opportunity. (SR)

Introduces a symposium on British school reform under the 1988 Education Reform Act. In England and the United States, school reform is driven by "conservative restoration" forces that emerged in Western democracies about 15 years ago. English reforms embody a relentless program of government initiatives inspired by free-market doctrines…