This article identifies and discusses eight common interpretations of back-to-basics: (1) less funding; (2) more discipline; (3) educate fewer, better students; (4) moral education; (5) primacy of intellectual objectives; (6) hard subjects; (7) less student decision making; (8) establishing standards. (IAH)

Identifies and analyzes policy trends in Virginia kindergartens. Trends discussed are: the school-entry age is being raised; two new grade levels are being introduced (prior to first grade); children are flunking kindergarten at a rapidly increasing rate; the use of screening tests for entry into kindergarten is becoming common; and the…

Shares a sampling of the core educational principles of the late French educator Celestin Freinet, who emphasized active learning in a democratic setting in order for the democratic way of life to survive and flourish. Discusses respect for the child's integrity, bringing real life into the curriculum, motivation through meaningful work, and…

Describes the historical development of production schools, which combine education with productive, income-generating work; their organization; educational principles (substitution, reduction, accentuation); and future prospects. (SK)

A 1990-91 survey received 290 responses from 404 secondary schools in Thailand, of which 182 had an agricultural program. The respondents rated goals, principles, and standards, and their answers were used to form a program model for secondary agriculture curriculum development. (SK)

The New Zealand Curriculum Framework consists of principles of learning and teaching, essential learning areas, skills, attitudes, values, and assessment methods. Conflicts to be resolved include cooperation versus competition, priorities among subjects, testing, equity versus economic goals, and ownership of the curriculum. (SK)

Elaborates principles of education for older adults: (1) shift from viewing the elderly as disadvantaged to examining their treatment within the socioeconomic context; (2) critical educational gerontology, rooted in critical theory; (3) emancipation, empowerment, and transformation; and (4) theory based on action. (SK)

Describes how three groups of educators (in a medical school, a psychology department, and a journalism school) are helping instructors and students to recognize, manage, and use ignorance to promote learning. (SR)

Critics review 14 books recommended for school board members' summer reading. (MLF)

Proposes that freedom--defined as liberty or the absence of constraints by others--should be kept conceptually distinct from notions of autonomy and ability, because freedom has a fundamental place in the achievement of autonomy and power through education. Reviews the positions of Kant, Mill, and other philosophers on freedom. (MAB)

The imagery of community education emphasizes the organic and the political, the cultural and the dynamic of travel. In the nineties, these images will continue to be used as bridges between the real world and relevant thinking. (SK)

Five principles that can improve correctional education are as follows: (1) theory informs practice; (2) knowledge can inhibit transformative learning; (3) culture inhibits crime; (4) teachers can be students and students can be teachers; and (5) "what goes around comes around." (JOW)

Among the nine Common Principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools are several of interest to vocational education: applying goals and objectives to all students, students-as-workers, demonstrating mastery, and every teacher a generalist. The movement toward integrating curricula is an opportunity to mesh school reform and vocational…

Outlines potential benefits of having prospective teachers explore the literature concerning philosophies of education. Illustrates contributions in the context of the philosophy of science. (MDH)

States that cost-control and efficiency initiatives will continue to be directed at higher education. Suggests that rather than focusing on technology it might be wiser to focus on attaining the highest standards in teaching, innovative learning opportunities, academic advising, and student-development services throughout the nation's colleges and…