This essay spans past, present, and future using an etymological search, which reveals that the root of reading was interpretation, that writing was originally magic, and that arithmetic referred to counting. (MJL)

Two prominent leaders in education, Charles Suhor and Jane Stallings, are interviewed concerning the present status and significant effects of the basic skills movement, the effect the National Commission on Excellence in Education report will have on basic skills education, and the number one priority for education in the future. (DCS)

Contending that art should be considered a component of basic education, the director of the National Art Education Association identifies some national task force reports' proposals for art education that have been neglected by media coverage. (MJL)

Examines some disturbing tendencies in curriculum content and descion-making. Argues that a rigorous, neoconservative back-to-basics program, coupled with use of corporate school management models, is not the answer. Excessive standardization could increase the dropout rate and cause the deskilling of teachers. Societal influences need to be…