Asserts that aesthetic questions and aesthetic understanding provide the framework for learning in art. Contrasts formalism (the belief that art exists for its own sake) with contextualism (the belief that art is part of a social communication system). Maintains that a balanced art program should incorporate both approaches. (MJP)

To avert a collision between a strategy of educational equity and the push for excellence, impediments to inclusion must be closely examined. This examination will facilitate restructuring of schools' standard operating procedures to accommodate the Coalition of Essential Schools philosophy, which advocates flexible scheduling, heterogeneous…

Faced with a changing social context, community colleges increasingly place community needs high among their priorities; rebuilding local communities may soon become a new mission. Initiatives are multiplying in three areas: community-based education; new collaborations; and new community services. The traditional community college is changing…

Criticizes the compartmentalization of educational practices into a hierarchy of general, vocational, and social. Argues for a more holistic integration of technology, vocation, and education reflecting a vision of lifelong learning and meaningful work. Discusses examples of this including the Scandinavian tradition of "Sloyd"…

Maintains that spirituality, by reason of its very nature and essence, is antithetical to the goals of state education. Argues that efforts to define spirituality as separate from religion are disingenuous and driven by a specific political agenda. Discusses the conflicting goals of spirituality and secular institutionalization. (MJP)

Examines three arguments supporting music education in the schools: (1) music education is vital to individual development; (2) musical experience involves a special kind of knowledge; and (3) the richness of musical experience justifies itself. Posits the the third argument as the strongest for building a supportive consensus. (MJP)

Presents an interview with Russian Deputy Federal Minister of Education, V. K. Batsyn, concerning the significance and necessity of history instruction for students. Discusses the nature and purpose of history instruction under the old Marxist regime and describes the new methods and approaches being implemented. (MJP)

Maintains that French educational policy towards art education is hampered by divergent agendas and competing educational directives. While the Ministry of Education supports "education for all," the Ministry of Culture promotes "education of a cultural elite." Discusses the philosophical and political conflicts that created…

Summarizes early Soviet Russia's first attempts to formulate and implement a national policy regarding higher education. Immediately following the revolution Soviet educational policy was often chaotic and contradictory as authorities tried to inculcate Marxist-Leninist ideology. Discusses the contributions of the Red Professorship Institutes and…

Identifies and characterizes a set of conceptual frameworks that traditionally have informed home economics curricula. Proposes an emancipatory orientation towards home economics that emphasizes enlightenment and empowering the students. Uses critical theory to frame questions regarding food, shelter, clothing, physical and psychological needs.…

Provides an introduction to the German educational theory of didaktik. Didaktik emphasizes critical thinking incorporated into content instruction. Although originally developed in the 19th century, didaktik has enjoyed renewed popularity within the last 10 years. Discusses the history of the theory and its impact on U.S. pedagogy. (MJP)

The perspectives of 241 multi-discipline early interventionists were elicited by asking them to describe three wishes they would make to change early intervention to ensure quality services. With few exceptions, practitioner perspectives conflicted with accepted early intervention best practices such as family-centered interventions or provision…

Kaupapa Maori is a self-determination, anti-colonial education agenda that asserts the right of Maori to be Maori. Kaupapa Maori education initiatives grew out of Maori dissatisfaction with mainstream education. The key elements of Kaupapa Maori are self-determination, cultural aspiration, culturally preferred pedagogy, socioeconomic mediation,…

Examines the possible roles and contributions of postmodernist thought to educational research. Models some of these approaches in its consideration of interviews collected during a project reviewing the careers of educational researchers. Provides a number of verbatim transcripts from the interviews and discusses their various narrative and…

Outlines the history of private education in tsarist Russia. Follows its development from a smattering of tutors for children of the elite to the establishment of boarding schools and subsequent government inspectors. Discusses the contrasting educational philosophies and personalities involved in these institutions. (MJP)