This paper discusses what colleges and universities can do to improve the capacity of the public schools to deliver quality education in social studies and other areas to America's children. The quality of public education can be improved by changing the system for delivering education and by improving the quality of teaching. Colleges and…

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…

In the wake of the women's movement of the 1960's and 1970's, sexism has emerged as an issue in American education. Sexism refers to rigidly prescribed and therefore limiting roles for either sex. The American school, since its beginning, has been given the responsibility for teaching attitudes and values and for preparing young people for…

This paper presents a discussion of preparation of teachers to work with disadvantaged children. In developing a curriculum for this group of teachers, emphasis should be placed on interdisciplinary academic preparation, experience, and training. Teachers should learn to be respectful, aware, understanding, democratic and encouraging (among other…

In a response to new legal requirements for handicapped child education, this monograph presents a sample of current viewpoints from professionals at different levels of education and in related professions concerned with shared responsibility roles in the mainstreaming of handicapped children. The first section consists of six articles dealing…

This position paper of the American Federation of Teachers contends that the most fundamental responsibility of schools is teaching students to read. The paper states that the type of literacy instruction that includes a range of research-based components and practices has not made its way into every classroom, and that, indeed, a chasm exists…

A new California law, Senate Bill 813, implies sweeping changes for teacher education in that state. The law permits districts to hire college graduates without teaching credentials and train them. It also requires all teachers to renew certification periodically. Implications for schools of education are discussed. (Author/PP)

This report outlines issues related to special education and changes in its role brought about by the restructuring of schools. Discussions of proposed policy options accompany the descriptions of each issue. The issues are in addition to those described in an earlier University of Maryland issues and policy options paper. The first issue is…

This is a book of essays about the future roles of schools and education in society. In the debates over these roles, it has become clear that education is not just about conventional school matters such as curriculum, standards, or testing. Rather, what is done in school must be seen in the broader context of what society intends education to…

The most important issue facing the people of the United States is education. National reports have defined the problem. The need for reform can no longer be questioned. A solution must be devised and New Jersey is reqdy to act. As Governor, the author offers several proposals for restoring the vigor of the state's schools. Each district will…

Describes a model for preparing faculty in schools of education to incorporate character education in their teacher preparation programs. Lists eight traits that character education should engender. These are compassion, forgiveness, integrity, respect, responsibility, initiative, cooperation, and perseverance. Includes a list of references and…

The social climate in Manitoba has led, in the past 25 years, to an expectation of school reform that has been translated into varieties of political action. However, most of the reforms, instituted by government policymakers, have fallen short of public expectations. This paper explores lessons to be taken from these experiences in school reform…

A study of the relationship of parent involvement to teacher education was conducted in response to increasing emphasis upon parent participation in elementary schools. To determine whether training for prospective teachers should be broadened to reflect this increase in parent participation, teacher educators, teachers, and principals were asked…

Physical education for special populations is a full-fledged sociological and educational movement. Issues concerning adapted physical education teachers involve improving the services of responsible educators, possible futures for adapted physical education,, and the true situation of physical education for the handicapped today. Issues which…

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…