Compares the Social Darwinism of the 1890s with neo-conservatism of the 1980s. Discusses the ideologies of fair play versus fair shares, the theory of supply-side economics, and the implications of neo-conservatism for higher education. Argues that neo-conservatism is altering radically our conceptions of democracy, equality, and freedom. (KH)

This document presents eight papers prepared for a conference that examined the federal role in elementary and secondary education. The purpose of the meeting was to share ideas and proposals that could be helpful to the Congress and the Administration as they addressed education policy in 2001. Some of the questions addressed here include "What…

The election of Ronald Reagan to President in 1980 marked the political zenith of modern American conservative ideology in the 20th century. This book presents a historical analysis of conservative ideology and its influence on federal school policies during Reagan's first administration, 1981-1984. It examines various conservative social agendas…

Countries with good education systems have good health and transportation systems and equitable access to health care and public services. One must look at education in terms of inputs, not production or outputs. When healthy, well-fed, well-housed children enter an education system that provides transportation and access to books, dictionaries,…

Drawing on the recent intersection of political, literary, and feminist work provides commentary and analysis of state forms of discourse about education. Argues that the discourses of the state, as they position language, knowledge, education, identity, and gender within texts, wreak havok on people's lives. (DMM)

Contrasts the purposes and methods of government-sponsored literacy programs in Latin America, which seek to improve the lot of the poor by developing better skills, with those of popular education movements, which attempt to empower people to change social structures. (SK)

The gradual shift to state control of schools has spawned unintentional results, including a negative impact on teacher autonomy and professionalism. Although states' major role should be establishing a core curriculum, local flexibility is essential for adapting school policies to varied needs and utilizing staff abilities. Local school boards…

President George Bush's gathering of governors and cabinet members to discuss education brought together leaders of each party to establish goals for education but has also been criticized for its use for politics rather than impact. (MSE)

Suggests that the educational system in the United States needs to undergo significant reform. Specifically, education should be viewed not only as a means to an end that teaches basic skills for employment but also as a process that enhances social development and self-actualization. (MDM)

Arnold Mitchem, executive director, National Council of Educational Opportunity Associations (NCEOA), answers questions concerning key educational issues, the federal government's educational agenda, the Higher Education Act's reauthorization, federal policy influences on developmental and minority education, faculty retraining, financial…

Many America 2000 proposals should be challenged by educators, in view of powerful and readily available evidence sources, including the Sandia Report suppressed by the Bush Administration. Findings showed that aggregate SAT, NAEP, and GRE scores are rising; dropout rates are declining (except for Hispanics); and beginning teachers' salaries (in…

The National Education Association and other forces opposing a free market in education attack school choice as a threat to the nation. Many conservatives also embrace that opinion. One example is found in an article by Trowbridge entitled "Devil's Deal." This paper analyzes Trowbridge's article, focusing on parental rights and…

Argues that the new progressive liberalism takes away the need for self-mastery as the national government assumes functions that once came under self-government. Education may be the segment of American life most highly organized according to progressive ideas of management, and it is an area where increasing numbers of parents are trying to…

Responses of 600 higher education experts in seven Western European countries to a survey concerning government influence on higher education, currently and in the future, were analyzed to assess how different approaches to government role would affect higher education policy. It is concluded that different approaches would effect very different…

Notes that the potential of education to be a source of upward mobility is decreasing in the very communities where it is needed most, due to lack of resources and lower expectations for schools in poor neighborhoods. Details Republican and Democrat education plans. Notes that vouchers for private schools will only exacerbate the problem by…