"Best ideas" are chosen because they correspond with and confirm existing beliefs, are perceived as advantageous, are relatively uncomplicated, and can be experimented with. "Best ideas" for reading instruction would be chosen both by reading professionals at the university and by teachers in the classroom on the basis of which…

Advice on writing the history of a college is offered. Until recently, there appear to have been few examples of rigorous, ongoing programs to record the facts regarding the founding and development of colleges. One problem is that much of the historical and detailed information relative to the development of colleges is not found in one…

Outlines the history and roots of affective education and points out its shortcomings in contemporary educational programs. (MD)

The characteristics of effective school philosophies are outlined. The author discusses the differences between political philosophies and school philosophies and points out the difficulties involved in developing "good" school philosophies that are specific. (MD)

Discusses three major positions regarding spelling instruction: the incidental, the developmental word study, and the basal speller approaches. Presents an overview of nearly a century of research into spelling instruction. Argues that a modified basal speller approach can provide classroom teachers with an efficient and adaptable tool that can…

Describes "whole language" as a new term for literacy instruction which emphasizes application of reading and writing in meaningful contexts. Argues that the theoretical base for whole language is closely related to key ideas of language experience and psycholinguistics, but that whole language represents a new paradigm. (RS)

Considers the "marginality" of the situation of writing centers and their directors. Explores a possible reinvention for writing centers' history and mentality, with the help of concepts from anthropology. Finds that the writing center is not a space, a pedagogy, or an academic department; it crosses all disciplines. Surveys cultural…

Shows that the reality of Robert Moore and his University of Illinois Writing Clinic is far more complex than previously assumed. Offers a history that is a familiar narrative about the politics of writing centers and writing programs designed to meet the needs of under-prepared students. (SG)

This report provides information on the education system of the Democratic Republic of Sudan, and is designed to assist college admissions officers and registrars in the United States with the admission and placement of students from that country. The report contains general information on the geography, history, and people of Sudan, as well as…

In addition to providing a chronicle of the history of college writing programs in America, this book recognizes their common beginnings, their respective strengths, and the collaboration necessary to train students to be effective writers. The book examines the common roots of courses in creative writing, journalism, technical and business…

Based on the idea that an individual cannot understand literature, philosophy, or rhetoric without knowing the field's historical content, this book traces the evolution of the growing and ever-changing field of composition/rhetoric through numerous schools of thought, including Platonism, Aristoteleanism, New Criticism, and the current…

This paper traces the historical development of the middle school from its beginnings in 1893. It presents philosophical background for the middle school concept and compares middle schools and junior high schools. Psychological theories underlying the middle school are discussed, including the theory of the period of "transescence" between…

In response to recent nostalgia about education's past, the author reviews the reality of educational history. In the 1950s schools were affected by disruption and violence. In the 1930s declining standards were cited. In the teens there was a 50 percent dropout rate. In the 1900s problems of student boredom and violence were documented. (MD)

To help avoid past mistakes in attempts at curriculum and instructional improvement, this article offers five guidelines for secondary school curriculum change and innovation. (DCS)

This volume tells the story of women and school leadership in America from the common school era to the present, revealing how teaching became women's work and the school superintendency, men's. It also explores how this gendered division of roles and power has been maintained over the years. The first two chapters survey the creation of…