Efforts to improve public education should include better teacher salaries, teacher recertification, merging of schools and departments of education, viewing teachers as professionals, increased private sector support, greater commitment of resources by colleges and universities, use of retired professionals, and changes in English and Social…

Examining the history of a "promotion by achievement" program begun in 1973-74 in Greensville County, Virginia, the authors argue that the effects of the program were not racially discriminatory as alleged by a 1980 suit that led to the program's termination in 1981. (JBM)

Compares two board members' educational philosophies and motivations, highlighting typical power struggles with patrons, teachers, and administrators. Both board members hold traditional educational values and a "back to basics" approach to curriculum development. Whereas Tom considers his unwillingness to compromise a positive…

Outlines steps suggested by Education Secretary William J. Bennett to improve science curriculum. Lists topics of concern for grades K-8. (ML)

A review of ecological problems facing human society is presented and the relationship of education to social change is considered. Basic environmental limitations which are discussed include population; basic materials such as food, fuels, and water; and environmental tolerance. Ecological hazards which combine with these limitations to result in…

Three basic causes for the general decline in mathematics achievement among high school graduates nationally are poor motivation to learn math, poor math curriculum, and poor or no mathematics instruction. Many Native Americans drop mathematics because of lack of challenging courses or interesting teachers in their high schools. Since American…

This series of three brief articles, written by the Nebraska commissioner of education, addresses schools for the future. It proceeds with two assumptions: (1) all students can learn and can learn at much higher levels than they are now doing; and (2) schools should be ready and able to teach all kids. The first article addresses, generally, the…

To examine long-term effects of a fundamental elementary education in Mesa (Arizona), this study assessed student characteristics, academic achievement based on standardized testing, and social interactions based on high school extracurricular activities. Students who had attended the fundamental school for 6 complete years, had remained in the…

A geographer responds to three themes found in the U.S. National Commission on Excellence in Education report "A Nation at Risk": (1) the return to basics theme, (2) the science and technology theme, and (3) the social science theme. The report recommends the adoption of "New Basics," which, in four years of high school, would…

This staff report summarizes testimony on competitiveness and the quality of the American work force. The testimony was received during 9 days of hearings held between September 23 and December 3, 1987, that featured 52 witnesses including federal and state officials, educators, business and labor leaders, and scholars. Contents comprise prepared…

The back-to-basics movement and public demands for educational quality guarantees have led state education agencies (SEA's) to examine their options in four areas: definition of the basics, relevant curricular and programming alternatives, alternatives for evaluating achievement of basics-related goals, and methods of reporting achievements to the…

Educational research studies conducted in recent years are distilled into 41 significant findings or conclusions that can be used as a practical guide for parents and teachers seeking those educational practices found to be most effective in helping children to learn. The 41 findings are displayed one to a page. Each page is organized into three…

Educational research studies conducted in recent years are distilled into 59 significant findings or conclusions that can be used as a practical guide for parents and teachers seeking those educational practices found to be most effective in helping children to learn. The 59 findings are displayed one to a page. Each page is organized into three…

The present crisis in education has its roots in educational changes promoted by graduate schools of education which promoted looser standards as early as the 1920s. To reverse this trend will require more money, more rigorous qualifications for teachers, longer school days and years, and attention to new technologies. (IS)

This report: (1) investigates the declining state of the educational system in America, as measured by high school student performance in the United States and other countries; (2) identifies specific problem areas; and (3) offers multiple recommendations for improvement. The five major recommendations arrived at appear, respectively, under the…