The gap between the claims and the execution of general education is explored in this contemplative report, which challenges not only traditional assumptions of general education but those governing its newest and most innovative practices. Interpretations of the meaning of general education over the centuries are traced, including problems of the…

This book summarizes the findings of a research workshop organized by the International Institute for Educational Planning on ethics and corruption in education. It makes a case for addressing the issue of corruption in education based on the experiences of the various participants of the workshop, representatives of various countries and…

The standards to which secondary vocational education is held accountable are not compatible with the broad program goals undertaken by vocational education. Vocational education should be assessed in light of its contributions to human development and its economic benefits. (CJ)

A summary is presented of some of the ways that judicial decisions and laws have an impact on higher education and on public education. The sources of legal obligation that impose duties and responsibilities on teachers are discussed. These are: common law, contractual obligations, state laws, and federal laws. The legal definitions are given of…

The responsibility of the Citizens Commission was to propose recommendations for the improvement of basic education in Pennsylvania. The Commission's recommendations are an attempt to clearly define the boundaries of the schooling process and to increase the effectiveness of the instructional process within those boundaries. The Commission…

The minialist approach to social policy, especially concerning public education, has not worked because the assurance of minimal protection for the deprived also entails a rise in acceptable levels of attainment for those above the minimum, in order to preserve their competitive advantage. Also, particular minimums, such as universal elementary…

This position paper presents a discussion of "academic child abuse," defined as the use of practices that cause unnecessary failure of groups of students in foundation skill and knowledge areas. Part 1 articulates the fundamental problems with the decision-making practices of school districts and other agencies charged with teaching children.…

The symposium reported here was held to provide representatives from business, industry, labor, agriculture, government, and education an opportunity to examine the present and future role of vocational education in the state of Washington. First, this report presents the opening remarks regarding vocational education's role in a changing economy…

The educational system of the 60's and early 70's is not adequate to solve present problems, correct failures of traditional education, or meet new challenges. This monograph offers directions toward better education to meet future needs of the nation. Educational problems such as unequal opportunities, undefined goals, inadequately prepared…

This paper reviews problems associated with accountability and suggests principles for statewide accountability systems. It describes a course of action which would increase central controls of the state on public education, while leaving discretion to teachers, schools, and local initiative. (LMO)

Data compiled from previously published reports are used to assess values in postsecondary education. Five criteria are discussed: (1) postsecondary education should improve the graduates' work opportunities; (2) postsecondary education should have effective holding power; (3) postsecondary education should be relevant to students' needs; (4)…

Many educators react defensively to demands for student assessment, accountability, and so forth. Rather than being defensive, we must turn these challenges to our advantage. If I am responsible in my work, then I ought to also be accountable for my work. We must describe what schools are expected to accomplish and show publicly whether these…

Perspectives on the context and results of the investigation conducted by the National Commission on Excellence in Education are presented. It is noted that the Commission's analysis sought to determine the extent to which colleges fail to set and maintain high standards, and the extent to which they fail to make their measures and benchmarks of…

The proceedings of a conference which focused on accountability in teacher education are supplied in this document. Accountability procedures, such as competency requirements, are examined in a keynote speech by John D. McNeil of the University of California at Los Angeles. Other speakers who offered position papers on accountability were: (1)…

Arguing that American schools are not meeting their goals in developing concerned, active citizens who seek to continue to read and learn after their formal schooling has ended, this paper supports this argument by citing information concerning adults' use of books and mass media. The first section of the paper assesses current adult reading and…