Discusses the charge given to the National Commission on Excellence in Education by Secretary of Education T. H. Bell when he created it on August 26, 1981. Includes a summary of the report, "A Nation at Risk." (JOW)

The thesis here is that the process whereby parents lost control of education began well before the current dispute over bussing. Views the process of parental political disenfranchisement in four phases: the period of "maximum feasible participation" (1835-1900); the period of "reform" and "efficiency" (1900-54); the school as change agent…

The public and its political leaders seem unwilling to support unconditionally the American creed of equal educational opportunity for all. The proliferation of teen pregnancy, school violence, illegal drugs, homelessness, poverty, suicide, AIDS, and unemployment shows that youngsters' social environment has severely deteriorated since the release…

In South Africa there is widespread recognition amongst university educators that the new outcomes-based education (OBE) system can prevent instrumental thinking, particularly in view of OBE's agenda to encourage critical learning. However, what these educators do not necessarily take into account is that many students are not always ready to deal…

This paper examines multicultural education--its history, goals, for whom it is designed, and who is responsible for initiating programs. The literature is in general accord with the view that the educational system should be responsive to the fact that the United States is culturally diverse. This fact is taken as the ground for asserting that…

The importance of having a national policy for vocational education (called for by the National Advisory Council for Vocational Education) is the focus of this speech. After citing and discussing some baseline facts about vocational education's budget and enrollment figures, the author provides several reasons for having a national policy: (1) The…

Classroom teachers do not have adequate training to provide quality elementary physical education programs. Quality programs require the knowledge and skills of physical education specialists, who have training in movement education, motor development, and motor learning. If schools valued students' physical health and fitness, they would hire…

The quality of Indian education programs, changing federal policy, allegations of misuse of funds, and growing Indian advocacy efforts are some of the problems for the states in resolving the policy ambiguities in Indian education, including legal and financial obligations, as well as program objectives. (Author/MLF)

Describes and comments on rationale for moral education under socialism in Soviet Union. Discusses current Soviet children's literature as attempt to systematize and coordinate moral education and political socialization in elementary and secondary schools. Cites evidence of reconstructionist ideology in curriculum and planned educational…

Argues that choice, diversity, and equity are key organizing concepts of the neoliberal public domain. As such, they are implicated in the failure of neoliberalism to address the central predicaments of the age. Articulates a new vision of a learning democracy expressed through civic cooperation, participation, and justice. (MJP)

Written for persons who serve as members of Committees on Special Education (CSE) in New York State, this guide reviews Committee responsibilities and various Committee management techniques. An introductory chapter outlines the impact of Federal, state, and local requirements and policies. The guide follows the sequence of Part 200 of the…

This booklet summarizes the legal requirements and administrative policies governing public education in Illinois. It is intended to provide a clear framework of educational responsibilities and objectives to guide local school board members and administrators in meeting their constitutional mandate to provide an efficient system of high-quality…

In recent years, parents and other citizens have lost their influence over local school boards because of increasing enrollment and district consolidation, lack of contact between board members and classroom teachers, teacher organization and subsequent veto power over boards, and the bureaucratization of educational systems. To alleviate this,…