The symposium transcript presents and discusses commentaries on "Schooling in Capitalist America," by Sam Bowles and Herbert Gintis. The transcript serves three functions: (1) it offers a comprehensive account of the role of schools in America; (2) critiques efforts to reform schools; and (3) suggests alternative visions of how school reform…

Discusses problems, conflicts, and opportunities concerned with providing adult education as a result of the prospective and dramatic decrease in the projected number of high school students between 1977 and 1984. (TA)

Refutes the belief that the key to fostering tolerance in a society is to maintain a strong and uniform public school system. Clarifies the concept of "tolerance," uncovers some problematic assumptions underlying the opposition to private/alternative/separate school systems, and considers relevant empirical evidence. (DMM)

Surveyed large sample of parents of handicapped children regarding their involvement in school activities, levels of satisfaction, needs, and suggestions and recommendations. Found sizable number of respondents had limited communication with school. Most expressed high levels of satisfaction with special education program and related services…

Underscores the need for educators to address the needs of minorities and at-risk students. Discusses studies of at-risk students undertaken by the Education Commission of the States. Considers the obligations of the schools toward at-risk teens. (DMM)

A plan for schoolwide enrichment is presented as a model for promoting excellence in education and schoolwide change. Components of the plan include a nonelitist meaning of the term "gifted," a variety of important roles and responsibilities for all personnel involved, and creation of an atmosphere of excellence. (JDD)

A comparative study of effective school principals in Japan and the US outlines the differences and similarities in career goals, values, roles and responsibilities, and qualities of educational leadership.

The authors discuss the following questions: Who should run a GED (General Educational Development) program? How should the program be administered? How can schools best prepare their students to take the GED tests? (CT)

Assesses the status and direction of Japan's approach to schooling. Questions the emphasis placed on rote learning and on attainment of high scores. Outlines potential themes and problems to examine for reforming Japanese schools. (ML)

Analyzes political indoctrination of children from a legal point of view and discusses four models of child-parent state relationship. Argues for a compromise interpretation of the Constitution; which would prohibit public schools, as agents of government, from indoctrinating children, while setting no limits on parents. (NH)

The literacy of two high school students, who are at opposite ends of the academic spectrum, is explored to discover a definition of literacy and to define the consequences for literate students. (DF)

Parents need information about the range of community resources and services available to them as soon as they learn their child has a disability. Schools must take a more active role in directing parents to community resources. (Author/CB)

Presents profiles of eight Massachusetts magnet schools: Nathan Hale (Boston); Burncoat Preparatory (Worcester); Rafael Hernandez (Boston); Mill Swan Communications Skill Center (Worcester); Sumner Avenue (Springfield); Arts (Lowell); Graham and Parks Alternative (Cambridge); and City (Lowell). Each profile includes information on school size and…

An overview of alternative futurism and implications and applications for the elementary and secondary grades are provided in this article. The teacher's role is explored in a discussion of development of educational personnel. (DF)

To plan for the future of teacher education, it is necessary to have a clear view of the probable future of education and schooling. Schooling at home and team teaching are some of the predictions offered for education in the next century. (DF)