This article introduces the topic of the special issue, 'Public education at the crossroads', by pointing to some of the debates and controversies surrounding the topic of public education and by framing the theme, while explaining the context and some components of the educational systems of the countries under examination -- namely the USA and…

The educational surveys of which some account is given in this bulletin do not by any means represent all the foreign investigations that have been made; it is believed, however, that they will serve to acquaint American students of education with certain foreign types, and at the same time throw some light on the history of surveys and of…

Influential historic documents in American education are presented in Chapter I, including legislation, land grants for common schools and universities and for agricultural and mechanical colleges, Bureau of Education role, early discussion on establishing a national university, and state constitutions' education provisions. Also included are the…