Described is the development and evaluation of the Micro-Place Social Studies Curriculum, an instructional system for teaching economics and law concepts at the fifth grade level. The curriculum is based on a miniature market economy that requires students to provide food, clothing, and shelter cards for simulated families. Students own businesses…

This technical report is the second edition of "Conditions of Education in California," and contains 53 figures and tables of data that range from student test performances to state revenue projections. Following a summary of state education highlights, the section "The Evolving Context of California Education" presents past,…

Nine units of study to help high school social studies teachers introduce a global perspective are contained in this booklet. Stressing interactions among regions economically, politically, and socially, the lessons are intended to help teachers reinforce basic skills and introduce new images of the world. Each lesson contains the following…

Australia's Hawke Labor Government, elected in 1983, reflects the politics of electoral pragmatism and consensus rather than those of idealism and reform. This paper explores the often conservative and pragmatic policies adopted in the schools area by the Hawke Government and seeks to explain the economic, social, and political factors underlying…

Ways in which the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) might reorient its activities to assist educational policy makers in making informed decisions are discussed. The first section discusses public school education as an investment. The outcomes of education should be followed as students enter the work force, at the local and federal…

The examination of Montana's teacher tenure laws as mandated by House Joint Resolution 43, required a thorough review of the legislative development of the teacher employment laws, a summary of relevant case law on the rights of school boards and teachers, an awareness of the philosophical postures of the affected parties, and a dispassionate look…

This study investigated the degree of teacher evaluation policy implementation in Alberta, the events that influenced teacher evaluation policy adoption, and the variables that affected the policy implementation process. The first phase of the study was primarily qualitative, using semistructured interviews with selected key decision-makers and…

The introductory essay in this volume examines the relationship between philosophy and common sense as these pertain to educational administration, and suggests that philosophy should become a form of critical self-reflective decision-making that occurs within the domain of social action and does not stop with the achievement of clarity of…

Designed to accompany and supplement the notebook "Resources for Teaching Virginia Government," this quarterly newsletter presents ideas, teaching strategies, and materials for government teachers and students. Issue No. 1 includes: (1) "The Gubernatorial Tenure Debate"; (2) "The Robb Years: An Interview with Larry…

This paper looks at state-level reform efforts during the past decade, focusing particularly on teacher competency assessment policies. Six questions were addressed: (1) How restrictive are state policies beyond coursework for entering the teaching profession? (2) How do states vary on restrictions for entry to the teaching profession? (3) Are…

This report examines the participation of teacher unions in the education reform process. It analyzes the many roles that these organizations are playing at the national, state, and local levels through collective bargaining and political action. The focus is upon three major issues: (1) the extent to which teacher unions have attained more…

A discussion of school law, defined as how the educational system is impacted upon by the law, is addressed as it relates two major issues to the Catholic or parochial schools. In an overview of the legal system, the types of courts, the nature of legal precedents, and the levels within the judiciary are reviewed. The first major issue centers…

Positive school-media relations are essential if schools are to expect an "understanding press" during crucial periods. Recommendations for developing and maintaining such relations fall into 10 areas, including school boards' establishing a firm media relations policy, appointing a board spokesman, creating a "game plan" for media dealings, and…

Designed for teachers of undergraduate students with some familiarity with political theory, moral philosophy, and social history, this course outline focuses on individual rights and their realization in the United States and the world at large. The syllabus, arranged in 3 major parts, is subdivided into 16 sections that outline major course…

Research based on followup interviews with some "key actors" at the federal level about the most significant recent events in education identified five topics: the cutbacks in federal education spending, the deregulation and decentralization embodied in provisions of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act (ECIA), proposed and de…