The past 50 years have witnessed a growing presence of critical theory within different social science academic departments across the western world. The joint existence of a theory committed to exposing and criticizing various inequalities of the social order within academic institutions based on traditional hierarchies and prestigious…

This paper describes a Networked Improvement Community comprised of a network of 13 states focused on improving coherence and equity in state systems of science education. Grounded in principles of improvement science adapted from healthcare, we are developing and testing resources for formative assessment in science, with the aim of developing…

The arts disciplines (visual arts, music, theatre, and dance) merit and require formal study. Policy makers should support studies in the arts as core disciplines, as specified in the "Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)," the federal legislation that sets policy and appropriations for public education. The arts merit and…

Argues that the Reagan administration is dismantling the educational efforts of the past 50 years, which could result in chaos. Suggests that state departments are incapable of exercising leadership in the absence of a federal role. Predicts the abandonment of educational research and special concerns and the demise of equality. (Author/WD)

Explores the evolution of equal educational opportunity from legal, historical, philosophical, and policy perspectives. Suggests how the goals of equal education may be pursued under "new federalism" and current economic decline, and describes the role that State legislatures and departments of education must play. (Author/GC)

Education in rural schools is alive, working to provide quality education through different organizational configurations, and experiencing many changes as it strives to meet the needs of all rural children for a quality education. In the nurturing of rural schools, the State must assist in making it possible to adequately finance justifiable…

Legislative mandates on sexual discrimination do not necessarily guarantee enduring change, as is demonstrated by the reinterpretation by the United States Supreme Court of Title IX of the Education Amendments to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In the landmark decision in "Grove City College v. Bell" in 1984, the court ruled that Title IX,…

Examines the status of women and minorities in university departments of sociology, particularly at the University of Oregon. Indicates that women have progressed as professionals in sociology, while the progress of minorities has been more limited. Suggests that affirmative action strategies need to be revised. (Author/MJL)

This paper presents guidelines for maintaining and extending educational opportunities in a society which is changing rapidly from one based on industry to one based on information and discusses the problems involved. Education, it is argued, must be restructured, the role of state policy and decision makers must be reconsidered, and a new set of…

The intent of this long-range plan is to provide direction for local, regional, and state level planning so that technology can be applied more effectively to enhance the teaching/learning environment and to improve the management of schools in the state of New York. The plan expands the statement of direction outlined in the "Statement of…

The Maryland Task Force on the Use of Computers in Instruction conducted a statewide survey of the following components of a successful computer education program: planning; curriculum development; staff development; computer use; instructional equity; selection, maintenance, and evaluation of hardware and courseware; and parent and community…

Focuses on the legal framework that New Jersey has established that allows the state to assume responsibility for operating a school district that has been deemed unable or unwilling to meet minimum educational standards. Identifies some perceived deficiencies in the law and suggests some possible future directions. (71 footnotes) (MLF)

Chief state school officers have committed themselves to seek the elimination of the nation's dropout problem by the turn of the century. Two reasons are given for this unusually strong statement. First is the human or moral issue that leaves millions of youth destined to a life of poverty if school cannot be successful in meeting their needs.…

This booklet presents the proceedings of a conference on the relationship between bilingual education and desegregation in California. The topics covered by the speakers at the general session were: (1) Desegregation and Bilingual Education: A National Perspective; (2) Legal Requirements Related to Desegregation and Bilingual Education; (3) Role…

The capabilities of a distance education system to enhance instructional programs of small schools by providing equity and increasing quality of educational opportunity, providing access to subject matter and subject matter experts, and providing interaction and joint activities with students in other schools are of sufficient merit to formulate…