In the last issue of "American Educator," several scholars argued in favor of a common core curriculum. By common core, they meant that the curriculum should be broadly adopted (enabling improvements in instructional materials, student tests, and teacher training), but also limited (preserving instructional time for districts, schools,…

This essay intends to examine the moral character of learning and teaching and the concomitant implications for educational leaders. With the academic curriculum in mind, I ask the basic question: why should young people learn the standard academic curriculum that schools confront them with? Although the expected answer might be, in the present…

Cites the Rockefeller Commission's findings regarding humanistic studies. Outlines steps for bringing humanism back to the humanities, e.g., by clarifying the humanities' substance and identity, elucidating a cogent and persuasive rationale for their study, and underscoring the importance of a cultural/humanistic context for vocational training.…

The author cites reasons for having academic teachers on advisory committees: strengthens the link between academic and vocational courses and links the hands-on aspect of vocational education to academic skills. The author suggests ways to help select academic teachers for vocational advisory committees and to involve these teachers in vocational…

Social sciences in the community college are at a critical point in their history and development. Except for a few statistical aberrations, enrollment in the social sciences and humanities is declining significantly. The idea of marketing a segment of a college's or university's offerings, particularly when it is not tied to a particular problem…

Outlines how past art education provided a refuge for students from the rigors of other academic subjects. Observes that in recent years art education has become "discipline based." Argues that art educators need to reaffirm their commitment to a humanistic way of knowing. (KM)

The College Board's recent report on academic preparation for college calls for foreign language proficiencies to be developed in secondary education. The needed proficiencies are outlined more specifically in a special booklet that also offers teachers practical suggestions for achieving them. The process of integrating language proficiency goals…

The arts statement in the College Board's book "Academic Preparation for College" is discussed. The book recognizes the arts as a necessary academic area of study and defines the necessary arts competencies both for general college success and for advanced artistic study. Its suggestions should be adopted. (RM)

Prepared as a sequel to the College Board Educational Equality Project's "Academic Preparation for College: What Students Need To Know and Be Able To Do," this book examines curricular ideas, teaching strategies, arts learning rationales, and related issues. The arts are defined as separate fields of study which offer a distinctive…

This book provides a rationale, model, and procedures for implementing change in high schools. Focus is on adoption of applied, context-based, community-based education that eliminates competition between academic and vocational education and promotes cooperation in creating career-based education. Chapter 1 provides a review of how this type of…

The No Child Left Behind Act Career Act's requirement that 100% of students in nine subgroups achieve proficiency in their academic requirements is once again placing career and technical education (CTE) at risk of decreasing student enrollments. If CTE is to remain a viable program in secondary schools, it is essential that CTE leaders and…