Discusses humanization in contemporary Russian education where it is seen as a key factor influencing social change. Analyzes past educational development and suggests that present trends owe more than may be expected to the past. Argues that the present discussion in Russia focuses too much on individualism and ignores processes of mediation.…

Reports on a study of the comparative philosophies and practices of secondary teachers in schools in New York State and near Moscow, Russia. Finds that teachers have two value orientations: (1) toward the school culture; and (2) toward each person's individual values and ways of thinking. (CFR)

Expresses concern over the unproblematic acceptance of authoritative educational discourses by educators, describes one educator's efforts to engage teachers in problematizing of a particularly authoritative educational discourse (classroom management) in colleges of education, and highlights a graduate course that engaged teachers in exploring…

Analysis of school records of over 19,000 Israeli 12th graders revealed that secular and religious public high schools displayed different patterns of ethnic and gender inequality in distribution of students to higher-level humanities and science courses. Differing patterns of course taking are seemingly related to different views concerning the…

Asserts that negative behaviors and attitudes prevent sustained academic environments. Recommends practical ideas and perspectives to bring changes that contribute to greater student success. Includes two figures depicting an information-constructivist model of school learning and four major components of curriculum decision making. (CFR)

Responds to Maureen Hallinan's review of research and recommendations regarding grouping students for instructional purposes. Contends that ability grouping is much more than an administrative practice. Concludes that the school's normative, social, and political climate should be the object of reform. (CFR)

Reviews research on students' concepts and theories of fair and effective educational practices. Asserts that students are insightful critics of schooling and hold different theories about how schools should be defined. Maintains that moral education programs could encourage students and teachers to negotiate fair classroom practices. (CFR)

Analyzes "Little Women" (Louisa May Alcott) and its concept of teaching girls that values feelings and emphasizes health and well-being, suggesting that this concept is helpful in rethinking the meaning of teaching with sensitivity to gender effects and school responsibility. (SM)

Contends that a public education similar to that proposed by Emile Durkheim is a condition for a flourishing liberal society. Maintains that Durkheim merged standard liberal and communitarian values by supporting both individual rights and the common good. (CFR)

Reinterprets the way that the 1944 Education Act was viewed in Great Britain by detailing the political debate over restructuring schools in Swansea, Wales, after World War II. Examines social and political factors that determined Welsh educational policy and reveals the continuing struggle between providing equal educational opportunities and…

Maintains that many early childhood educators are apt to practice nice thinking rather critical thinking when, in fact, the latter would clear their heads and inform practice. This position is supported by examples of teachers' uses of such terms as "home-school cooperation,""planning," and "curriculum." (BB)

Presents a metacritical examination of published essays by three professional critics of Richard Avedon's photographic exhibition, "In the American West," to determine how critics describe art work. Concludes that more comparative research is needed to bridge the gap between professional art criticism and that taught in schools. (KM)

F. Schrag is preoccupied with enhancing education, but who decides what enhancement is? He has confused positivism with empiricism. Positivism is a specific philosophical movement that is associated with logical positivism. The empiricism that Schrag labels positivism preceded the philosophic traditions. (SLD)

This paper reviews barriers to developing work study options for students with mild mental retardation. These include the debate over the existence of the entity mental retardation, the relationship of political/economic factors and schooling, the purpose and content of secondary education, and the interaction of personal values with these…

Argues that art educators must be acquainted with recent trends in art history, particularly the shift from connoisseurship toward cultural and sociological concerns. Presents a brief overview of art history practice in schools, followed by some recommendations for teaching from new perspectives. (KM)