This volume examines the way individuals think about objects and events in the world. These thoughts specify a priori assumptions that indicate what will be considered beautiful, valuable, and good. Decisions made about these matters determine what actions will be taken in regard to them. The continuous change that historically characterizes art…

United States educational history is full of uncertain reform attempts beginning with colonial New England's school reform goal of salvation in this world as a preparation for eternal life in the next. A more practical type of education characterized the Early National Period. Monitorial schools and communal schools, as in New Harmony, Indiana,…

Changes in school mathematics in Britain during the period 1944 to 1984 are discussed. The Jeffery Syllabus of the 1940s, agitation for change in the 1950s, projects in the 1960s, and evaluation and the advent of the calculator in the 1970s are each included. (MNS)

Discusses the report of a subcommittee of the Committee of Ten dealing with history, civil government, and the political economy. Describes the makeup of the committee, its goals, and its findings on ways to improve the school curriculum. Explains that the committee advocated a broad social studies approach to the teaching of history. (DK)

Maintains that the development of discipline-based art education (DBAE) was based in large part on the earlier work of Harry S. Broudy. Explains Broudy's view that aesthetics education once reserved for the elite should be part of the education of every citizen. Describes links between Broudy's work and lessons developed as part of DBAE. (CFR)

This document focuses on the ideas, forces, and events that move the National School Boards Association (NSBA) forward through the years since its founding in 1940 (with its long roots extending back into the middle of the 19th century). The first chapter of this history of the NSBA, "The Antecedent Years," focuses on the years…

This study surveys the history of school finance equity in Illinois after the major reforms introduced in that state in 1973 and then evaluates the success of the Illinois general grant-in-aid system. The authors describe the reform coalition that altered Illinois school funding in 1973 and trace the rise and subsequent erosion of those efforts.…

The roots of the American doctrine of separation between church and state are examined in this historical analysis. Factors for the exclusion of private schools from public funding include: (1) anti-Catholic sentiment; (2) reactions against rapid Irish immigration; (3) Catholic distrust of private schools; and (4) the view of publicly funded…

Traces Western conservationism from it roots in colonial exploitation during the mideighteenth century when scientists employed by trading companies voiced concern over large-scale ecological changes. Indicates that our contemporary understanding of the threat to the global environment is a reassertion of ideas that reached maturity over a century…

Seven articles discuss censorship, intellectual freedom, and information policy in the context of federal and state legislation, humanism and the religious right, technological advancement, the author's point of view, current school policies, and the Library Bill of Rights for elementary and secondary schools. (CLB)

Discusses nineteenth-century U.S. efforts to educate poor children. Describes educational expansion during the period, which included monitorial charity schools, Sunday schools, and infant schools. Reviews antebellum perspectives on poverty and education. Examines school attendance in 1860 and the relationship between education and social…

This document contains a reprint of the 1916 "The Social Studies in Secondary Education: A Six-Year Program Adapted Both to the 6-3-3 and the 8-4 Plans of Organization and Report of the Committee on Social Studies of the Commission on the Reorganization of Secondary Education of the National Education Association" widely believed to be the most…

The reorganization of home economics recommended in this report involves important and far reaching changes in both teaching and administration. The committee in home economics distinguishes two types of courses which it designates as general and intensive. To achieve the necessary results in the general courses, teachers must be broadly trained,…

Given the role that initiatives and referenda have played in state and local governance, it is interesting that there has never been a national initiative or referendum in the United States. The reason for this is that the Constitution of the United States does not provide for direct citizen initiation of, or direct popular votes on, either…

Describes the work of Harry S. Broudy and his impact on public education in the United States. Maintains that Broudy believed that universal values can be grounded in human nature. Presents Broudy's view that students in secondary grades should study the arts and humanities to acquire the values necessary for participatory citizenship. (CFR)