Competing notions of education are reviewed. The progressivist notion is individualistic and aims at self-actualization, whereas the more conservative perspective emphasizes a mechanistic approach in which some students' full potential may not be realized. To accommodate student differences, curricula must be treated as useful guidelines to…

Describes a study of student performance on national exams conducted in Nebraska by a consortium of nine school districts. Includes three tables. (MD)

Many states have changed education requirements by adding more course requirements. This should be seen as a challenge to offer better courses. A careful reading of the mandates may reveal that considerable local discretion is allowed in adopting new courses. Real excellence allows schools to translate new requirements into new ways to challenge…

After an analysis of the dimensions that they believe indicate quality, the authors suggest actions that principals can take to pursue excellence in their schools. (JW)

Discusses literacy and quality of education problems in the United States, provides literacy statistics (including school dropouts and immigrants), and identifies factors contributing to the problem. Presents unencouraging National Assessment of Educational Progress 1980 survey results, links the need for technical literacy to vocational…

A principal shares principles and practices involved in achieving excellence in a middle school. (DCS)

The public's attitude toward public schools is the topic of this interview with George Gallup, in which he discusses the impact of the mass media and recent national education reports, the need for schools to improve their public relations efforts, and the role of the principal in this. (DCS)

High schools seek to maximize student holding power providing something for everybody. This shopping mall concept produces schools in which variety, choice, and neutrality are counterproductive for some individuals. To counteract this effect schools need to take risks through greater commitment to individual student development and to higher…

This essay cites data on the magnitude of grade inflation and outlines problems perceived by the public and educators. Grade inflation is judged a social condition that damages educators' morale, students' motivation, and public confidence in education. Leadership from principals and teachers and the cooperation of colleges are urged. (MJL)

Four representatives of corporate interests consider the difficulties posed for the nation by the inadequate education being provided in the schools and discuss how business and education can cooperate to improve the quality of education. (PGD)

As in the past, the nation's schools are used as a catchall for problem social issues and as scapegoats for the current U.S. economic predicament. If America is to develop a competitive economy and a strong society, quality education will have to be provided to all our children, including the disadvantaged. Includes 10 references. (MLH)

Examines the extent and nature of America's need to know whether the nation's educational outlook is improving, considers the contributions of the Scholastic Aptitude Test and the National Assessment of Educational Progress to the information effort, and proposes a more effective testing system to be administered by the Census Bureau. (PGD)

In community schools, youth, families, and community residents work as equal partners with schools and other organizations to develop programs and services in five areas: quality education, youth development, family support, family and community engagement, and community development. Community schools foster strong partnerships and share…

The author outlines the qualities of excellent teachers and points out that excellence itself is rare in many occupations. He also describes the difficulties teacher's face including the low status they hold in our society. He presents nine steps to follow to achieve excellence in education. (MD)

The Department of Education and National Association of Secondary School Principals have compiled differing criteria for middle school excellence as a result of conflicting ideas of the purpose of education, but resolution may be found through consideration of all demands by parents, educators, and the Department of Education. (DCS)