The smallest and most remote villages in the developing countries are affected by the rapid and seemingly irresistible trend towards globalization. The limitless availability of information however necessitates education to stand out as the key factor for human and national development. But which conditions must be met by societies for education…

To do research that really makes a difference--the authors of this book argue--social scientists need questions and methods that reflect the complexity of the world. Bringing together a consortium of voices across a variety of fields, "Methods that Matter" offers compelling and successful examples of mixed methods research that do just…

"Educating for Diversity and Social Justice" foregrounds the personal stories of educators who are engaging the space of schooling as a site of possibility for realizing the goals of social justice. It is a book inspired by a vision of education as a practice of freedom where young people--especially those who are marginalized--can learn…

Education reform based on technical and rational processes often short-circuits reform because it is uncontentious, abstract, and provides educators with no legitimate ways to question the marketplace values and policies that drive much contemporary school reform. The perspective referred to as "betterment" is an alternative reform that…

"Using Action Research to Foster Positive Social Values" provides teachers with a unique framework in which to consider classroom violence. It uses actual case studies and working models done through classroom research to produce more effective classrooms that foster positive social values. The author lays out a theoretical framework for: (1)…

This book strives to present a practical approach to administration that is philosophically sound and scientifically informed. Because the practice of administration is concerned with values, the book argues that administrators require not only a well-developed set of commitments but also a workable process of valuation that will enable them to…

This book examines educators' norms, beliefs, and values in case studies of three "improving" high schools. The distinction between "sacred" and "profane" norms in the teaching profession is applied to the relationships among school culture, improvement efforts, and the effectiveness of change strategies. Schools'…

The findings and impressions of a study conducted by a journalist examining college life in the 1970's are presented. The Ivy League campuses, plus those of Michigan, California, Stanford, and the University of Chicago were involved in the study. Case histories and more than 650 interviews with students, teachers, administrators, and parents led…

The mechanics of McCarthyism are explained via a detailed case study of Alex Novikoff who was fired from the University of Vermont in 1953 after taking the Fifth Amendment in connection with FBI and Congressional investigations of his earlier membership in Communist groups at Brooklyn College. Despite McCarthy's stated commitment to academic…

This book provides a framework for examining violence as a social issue in contemporary society. Discussion is limited to violence as it occurs in the United States. The book can be used as a teacher resource or a secondary-level reader on violence, giving an historical background and a discussion of violence as a social phenomenon. The framework…

This document examines some of the major theoretical considerations and pedagogical applications of values education. In six chapters, the author reviews relevant developmental psychology literature and explores the major sociological dimensions of values education. "The Development of Values as an Educational Objective" summarizes…

In the wake of the Supreme Court's landmark ruling upholding school choice, policymakers across the country are grappling with the challenge of funding and regulating private schools. Towns, cities, and states are experimenting with a variety of policies, including vouchers, tax credits, and charter schools. Meanwhile, public officials and…

This book explores the issues of democratic education and student responsibilities in the schools. There are three compelling reasons to engage students to have a direct experience of democracy as an integral part of their schooling: (1) students are most likely to understand and value democracy and develop the political skills required for…

This book presents background information and approximately 40 articles on various aspects of the future. It is intended for use as a textbook and/or reader in advanced high school or college level future studies courses. The objectives are to help students of the future examine major problems and issues and to encourage them to devise new models…