A discussion of the influence of Russel Nye, a college English professor at Michigan State University and journalist, focuses on the values that shaped his teaching, scholarship, and writing and his defense of democratic values, especially in education. It is concluded that Nye's experience suggests that public service can be a source of personal…

This paper discusses major principles characterizing the whole language philosophy of teaching and learning; assumptions of the mechanistic and relational paradigms; whole language practices such as the Shared Book Experience and Reading Recovery for helping students with reading difficulties; and the potential of whole language for developing…

Presents nine standards for schools aspiring toward outcome-based education (e.g., there should be a collectively endorsed mission statement, clearly defined exit outcomes, a tightly articulated curriculum framework, an ongoing system of program improvement, and systems of instructional decision making and delivery and instructional organization…

Traces the evolution of the discourse about pedagogy from the seventeenth century, when pedagogy was oriented toward instructional improvement; to the twentieth century, when faculties of education became more interested in producing scientific research than research that was relevant to the practice of teaching. Elaborates a new theory of…

The mainstreaming concept has dramatically changed the lives of enumerable special needs children in positive ways but in some cases has become a travesty as it is extended beyond its logical limits. Developmental appropriateness is the pivotal priority in the education of children, especially those with severe/profound mental disabilities. (JDD)

Outlines basic premises of environmental education and guiding principles for curriculum development that were developed by United Nations conferences on the environment in the 1970s. Discusses current educational practices. Emphasizes the need for an interdisciplinary approach to environmental education that focuses on values transmission and…

Considers the different routes, and the advantages and disadvantages of each, that a school can take in developing its own vision or mission. Presents numerous questions surrounding issues such as what school visions are, their importance, and considerations in their development. Three examples of school vision statements are presented. (GLR)

Describes policies, expectations, and opportunities for students involved in high school theater productions at Nicolet High School. Outlines basic premises, teacher/student relationships, rules and obligations of the students, and auditions. (PRA)

Presents vignettes of Chinese elementary education as seen through the eyes of an American teaching in China and a native Chinese teacher. Notes that, although the Chinese and Western educational systems differ in many ways, a shared love of children unites the systems at the deepest level of belief and practice. (MG)

Aims to foster among art educators and students an awareness of how many contemporary artists are promoting ecological restoration. Grounds these artists' work historically, and discusses its view of humanity as interconnected with nature. Offers suggestions for involving art educators and students in ecological theory and artistic creation. (DSK)

Asserts that the religious educational process must recognize the need to nurture the sense of wonder because it helps to put one's place in the world into proper perspective. Explores the concept of wonder and its place as a means of integrating personal religious experience into religious education. (DSK)

Reflects on a career in science education by focusing on significant events that helped shape the practitioner's philosophy of science teaching and learning. (DDR)

Analyzes the development and implementation of outcome-based education in South Africa. Focuses on the theoretical assumptions that frame the government's policy. Examines the philosophical and pedagogical truths being established in the curriculum development, and especially mechanisms involved in shaping a South African identity. Contains 22…

Proposes the planning of educational reform with the concept of "quality-based education," which emphasizes the interdependency of educational subsystems (preschool through continuing education). Stipulates that success in one subsystem is necessary for success in the next. Examines the principles of quality education, the educational subsystems,…

Offers a reformulation of the concept of racism that incorporates both biological and cultural elements, but also includes seemingly positively evaluated characteristics in addition to more obvious negative ones. Notes problems with concepts of "reconstructed multiculturalism" and the associated liberal-pluralist conception of "the unity of the…