Asks whether the sustained instruction in the "basics" of English, especially grammar, is being unrightfully ignored. Challenges teachers who claim that instruction in grammar is unneeded or ill-advised. Counters such assertions by examining two research studies purportedly proving the ineffectiveness of teaching grammar. (HB)

Parrot math (memorization) seeks to control children through external rewards and punishments, rather than harness their intelligence and curiosity. Recent standardized test results document parrot math's failure. Activities-based approaches, supported by a constructivist philosophy (involving classifying, inferring, generalizing, and…

Reading instruction based on the acquisition of basic skills has produced a basic level of literacy in children, but such minimal levels of literacy are no longer sufficient for students required to deal effectively with complicated literary and informational material encountered in upper elementary, middle, and high school texts. Research in the…

A national opinion survey of social studies teachers revealed that the overwhelming majority of teachers (1) had regularly used inquiry as a teaching strategy; (2) believe inquiry is currently less emphasized than it was in the 1960s and 1970s; and (3) perceive the back-to-basics movement as contributing significantly to the deemphasis of inquiry.…

Traditional skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic may not be adequate for preparing students to enter today's highly technological and visual society. The role of the art educator is crucial in developing the visual skills which are increasingly necessary in a world of visual communication. (IS)

Introduces a symposium on British school reform under the 1988 Education Reform Act. In England and the United States, school reform is driven by "conservative restoration" forces that emerged in Western democracies about 15 years ago. English reforms embody a relentless program of government initiatives inspired by free-market doctrines…

By understanding the educational policies of the past, we can avoid the aimless, ephemeral quality of educational programs which are directed to the problems of the moment. The current debate over returning to the basics is blinding us to the need to plan for the future and the computer age. (IS)

Suggests the 1980s education reform movement created a climate that was benefited for arts education. Argues that the arts education community should use commitment to excellence as a means to achieve comprehensive and sequential curriculum. Criticizes the notion that education should build skepticism of, rather than appreciation for, excellence.…

A longstanding debate in education pits advocates of liberal curricula against advocates of "back-to-basics," fundamental education. The study described in this publication examined the long term results of a fundamental elementary school that began operating in August 1978 with 347 students. During the 1989-90 school year, the first…

In each era of curriculum reform the prevailing perceptions of what the school curriculum must accomplish define the standard of cultural literacy for our society. E. D. Hirsch believes that contemporary youth lack cultural literacy and that without this knowledge of the fundamental facts of U.S. culture they cannot effectively read or…

Reaffirming Reagan administration policies on education and educational reform, the author proposes three priorities and four performance goals for American education over the next five years focusing on literacy, mathematics skills, civic instruction, the "five new basics," standardized test scores, dropout rates, and professional…

Examines educational quality as a concept, contending that quality in education is declining in developed countries. Delineates ways to prevent poor academic performance, invigorate the teaching process, and use educational and vocational guidance. (KO)

The education profession as well as the public do not need exposure to more one-sided opinions about the need for academic preschools, about how to generate higher standards, about how poorly United States schools perform as compared to schools in other industrialized nations, and about other potentially volatile issues. In responding to the…

Philadelphia's voluntary school desegregation plan is designed to offer pupils the opportunity for educational experiences in multicultural, multiracial schools, and to prevent white flight from the public schools. Strategies for achieving desegregation include the creation of magnet schools, voluntary school pairing, the Alternative for Middle…

The paper notes the importance of a series of studies and reports on the current educational condition that acted as a catalyst for the increased attention on educators. The underlying theme in these studies is a call for a return to a strong basic education and a refocusing on the traditional discipline-oriented curriculum. (SSH)