Questions assumptions of the New Historicism, a recent development in literary criticism. Suggests some problems that such an essentially political approach engenders. Includes lack of a common bond between author and reader, a universal model of historical change based upon the ideas of Marx and others, and contextualism. Argues that historians…

As school choice becomes more prevalent, competition among school districts for new students is increasing. School districts are using various sales tools, including paid advertisements, professional marketers, bookmarks, and billboards to market their schools. This article discusses divisive tactics, equity concerns, parent frustrations, and…

Presents a study of Atlanta, Georgia, teacher's perceptions of the purposes of education and how those perceptions relate to the reform literature of the 1980s. Concludes that teachers generally agree with reformers and differ over educational purpose, as does the reform literature. Reports some effort among teachers to synthesize disparate views.…

Implications for science curricula and instructions of new perspectives on scientific knowledge, on nature of evidence, and on how knowledge changes are considered. Argues that much of science education is mired in positivist assumptions and suggests ways in which science instruction can promote a more appropriate epistemological attitude and…

Argues that the competency-based guidelines for teacher training in Scotland fraudulently present teaching as an uncontroversial set of basic skills; obscure the point that educational knowledge and practice are rooted in forms of moral and evaluative discourse; and belie the inherent controversy of educational aims, objectives, and methods. (KS)

This speech examines the role of the health profession schools within the university and how they may relate to both the university and society. The author examines how dental schools can move more effectively into the future by properly addressing the newer realities within the university and society. (GLR)

This article addresses six myths often used to oppose ability grouping of gifted students. These concern distinctions between tracking and ability grouping; ability grouping and elitism; discrimination against racial and minority groups; gifted students' supposed lack of special needs; the effectiveness of cooperative learning for all students;…

A 1992 American Bar Association task force report on the relationship between legal education and the practice of law is discussed. The report leans toward a practitioner-oriented concept of legal education, and reflects ideas of earlier reformers, principally Abraham Flexner. After a prologue on the contributions of these reformers, this article…

Comments on the interview of bell hooks in the preceding issue of the "Journal of Advanced Composition." Comments on hooks's concepts of audience and power, race relations, multicultural education, and the politics of literacy. (HB)

Presents conceptual framework for kindergarten through grade-12 (K-12) service programs. Bases philosophical principle on results from service program studies focused on education outcomes; presents structural principle through comprehensive rubric that identifies 9 ways to structure K-12 service programs; and bases programmatic principle in 12…

The inequities of schools (for both students and teachers) can only be perpetuated by the imposition of national standards through Goals 2000. Since school culture is embedded in our social structures, we should totally reinvent schools by helping children become caring adults, builders of communities, sharers of learning, lovers of the printed…

This article presents an overview of the evolution of programs designed for gifted students with learning disabilities and examines the changing philosophies, policies, and procedures of the field from the '60s (pilot programs), the '70s (influence of federal legislation), the '80s (emphasis on research), and the '90s (concerns about appropriate…

This discussion uses student cases and a review of the literature to advocate for the development of individual student talent as a philosophical basis for accommodating the social and emotional needs of gifted secondary students with learning disabilities. Descriptions of several educational innovations and reform efforts likely to enhance talent…

Describes the way one teacher utilizes a variety of activities by which the power of language is analyzed and fostered among students of English. Describes methods for making dictionaries, playing with words, and chanting poetry. (HB)

Possible interpretive arguments for licensure and certification test scores are examined, and evidence to support each type of argument is analyzed. Particular attention is given to a competency-based argument that involves a sequence of inferences from test scores to statements about competence and then to conclusions about expected performance.…