This article explores the significance of practical arts education in both the utopian literary tradition and American social development. An argument is presented that land grant colleges partly evolved in response to the ideas expressed in literary utopias regarding the utilization of knowledge for individual and social betterment. (IAH)

A review of some of the different forms that biological ethics have taken in the past and of issues which are arising suggests that ethics should be taught as a part of biological education within a framework of history, futures study, training in clear thinking, and the development of empathy. (Author/CW)

Explores critical activities in the visual arts and how they can enhance art appreciation. Outlines sources of criticism, different types of criticism, the varied backgrounds of art critics, and the artist-critic relationship. Maintains that, by emphasizing interpretive aspects, school art criticism can come closer to professional art criticism.…

Michel Foucault's work, it is suggested, has much to offer education. A general introduction to his work is presented, and his account of power/knowledge is outlined. How this power/knowledge is exercised in what Foucault calls 'the disciplines' is discussed and implications for schools are outlined. (Author/MLW)

Describes children's art education at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Museum of Art from 1928-1975. Discusses how the educational philosophy was influenced by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, John Dewey, and Franz Cizek, stating that the goal of art education was to build character, transmit culture, promote healthy competition, and develop moral values and…

Outlines the principles underlying the development of alternative schools in Community School District Four in New York (New York). Emphasizes the importance of the involvement of students, parents and professional staff in decision-making. (FMW)

Argues there is ample evidence of the prime significance and hierarchical character of the print medium, and of an absolute need for individual letter recognition from the outset of instruction. Discusses the role of the alphabet and its relationship to its precursor speech sounds for the developing learner. (RS)

The article summarizes some trends and issues in international education of the visually handicapped including more integrated education, increased advocacy, the need for prevention and early intervention programs, better data and definitions, and more research that is pertinent to practitioners. Problems such as students' lack of Braille facility…

States that constructivism is a theory of knowledge which asserts that knowledge is not primarily received, but actively built, and that the function of cognition is adaptive and serves the organization of the experiential world. Gives a brief history and discusses impact of the constructivist approach. (RT)

This editorial essay discusses four important questions addressed by most of the contributors to the current issue: (1) What is meant by "education" in the context of the current reform movement? (2) What are the social goals of education? (3) What are the mechanisms for accomplishing educational reform? and (4) How do we structure…

Among ideas expressed are that quality of caring, which is the substance of programs for behavior disordered students, cannot be legislated. Teacher training programs should concentrate on underlying concepts that promote teaching excellence. The individual psychology approach is the only real theoretical match for the development of…

The article identifies trends concerning postsecondary education of the hearing impaired, suggests changes in educational philosophy, and proposes options including community interaction, partnership with business, employment preparation, life-long learning centers, cognitive education, alternative forms of assessment, post-secondary centers,…

Proposes that educational change can be an opportunity for teachers to grow professionally and become reenchanted with (committed to) outdoor education. This process requires that outdoor teachers examine the content of their teaching and evaluate their personal and professional characteristics. Includes a fable illustrating possible outcomes of…

Maintains that it is widely accepted among both public and academic historians that history museums have become more pluralistic institutions in the last two decades. Reports on a two-year ethnographic study on the training and work of museum interpreters at Colonial Williamsburg. (CFR)

Discusses ways to promote a European curriculum against two political tendencies: (1) attacks on "Eurocentrism"; and (2) the ongoing educational cooperation among European nations. Provides three as guidelines for future development: (1) critical attitude; (2) curricular pluralism; and (3) free discussion and human rights. (CFR)