This book presents a philosophical defense of religious schools and colleges. It attempts to bridge the gap between philosophical argument and educational practice. In placing its argument within the context of liberal-democratic values, the book offers concrete examples of objections to religious schools and offers suggestions that follow from…

This document describes President Clinton's call to action for American education in the 21st century. Strong, safe schools with clear standards of achievement and discipline, and talented and dedicated teachers in every classroom are needed. Priorities include: setting rigorous national standards, with national tests in fourth-grade reading and…

Discusses the use of a universal choice plan as leverage for a wide range of school improvements in the Springfield Public School System (Massachusetts). The author examines the educational reform movement in terms of change coupled with concurrent development of four transformations: organizational, pedagogical, social/attitudinal, and political.…

Pursuing fiscal input equity will not produce a more equitable society or mitigate children's home and neighborhood environments. Standardizing funding provokes greatest voter dissatisfaction in wealthier districts. Four institutional elements (teachers' unions, school governance, school discipline restrictions, and special education) produce…

This article examines the antecedents and consequences of residential choice and school transfers within one of the eight largest urban school districts in Texas. This study is based on survey data from a representative sample of parents of K-12 students enrolled in this district. In addition to demographic characteristics of the family, the…

This qualitative study examined the impact of open enrollment policies in Minnesota on eight school districts with larger than average transfers of students with disabilities. A series of case studies investigated implementation issues, effects on special education programs, effects on decision making in funding and planning, perceptions and…

Central government's supply-side expansions of schooling have not equally benefited all members of society, especially girls, indigenous peoples, tribal groups, disadvantaged minorities, and the poor. Public spending on education is often inefficient, higher education is subsidized at primary education's expense, and costs are becoming…

Central governments' supply-side expansions of schooling have not equally benefited all members of society, especially girls, indigenous peoples, tribal groups, disadvantaged minorities, and the poor. Public spending on education is often inefficient, higher education is subsidized at primary education's expense, and costs are becoming…

The opinions of educators who would be affected by school-choice and voucher plans were studied in a survey of 144 teachers (84 percent female) from 6 elementary public schools in Chicago (Illinois). Survey questions were derived from an extensive review of the literature. Seventy-seven percent of teachers agreed with interdistrict choice, but…

Although the Minnesota Business Partnership is generally pleased with the success of its school choice initiatives, it realized that more must be done to improve educational quality. Concentrating on learning readiness, this report discusses the role of education in a healthy society, describes the condition of education in Minnesota, and offers…

An analysis of school choice programs is presented. The review is organized around the following topics: common characteristics of programs, variations, advantages and disadvantages, the relationship between choice and student achievement, and state role. A conclusion is that policy decisions will have to be based on factors other than effects of…

In a continuation of the national debate over education reform, the 14 contributors to this book outline several approaches to reform, address a variety of current education issues, and relate parent and teacher perspectives on education. An overview by President Ronald Reagan of education reform issues is provided, followed by chapters on the…

This paper surveys the demographic, historical, and research issues related to alternative education; describes successful models for disruptive and at-risk youth; and suggests how local areas might achieve safety in their schools. Programs for disruptive youth are forecast to grow through the 1990s; approximately 35 percent of school districts…

This essay offers a preliminary examination of public support for private elementary and secondary education as it is incorporated into the systems of Denmark, Australia, and Holland. Its purpose is to stimulate American thinking about family choice systems. After a brief introduction on the ad hoc quality differentials in American public…

This booklet is a collection of articles addressing current issues in early childhood education. The first article, "Would You Like to Pack Away Now?: Improving the Quality of Talk in Early Childhood Programs," (Laurie Makin) addresses how teachers talk to children. The second article, "Persistence When It's Difficult: A Disposition…