Education 08/09 2008-2009

UNIT 1. How Others See Us and How We See Ourselves <new> 1. <comment>46399 Five Trends for Schools, Shelley Lapkoff and Rose Maria Li, Educational Leadership, March 2007 The authors describe the dramatic demographic population shifts that are challenging America's schools. Five trends in American population development are noted. Issues related to immigration, both legal and illegal, are discussed. They offer an optimistic perspective on all of this. 2. <comment>42797 Squeeze Play, Glenn Cook, American School Board Journal, January 2006 The author discusses the political pressures on American school board members. The concept of "local control" of American schools is being altered in its meaning by pressures from state legislatures, Congress, and national special interest pressure groups. The author describes the dilemmas school board members face under these pressures. <new> 3. <comment>46603 Testing 1, 2, 3, Eric Hoover, The Chronicle of Higher Education, January 6, 2006 Efforts to reduce the emotional pressure on pre-college high school students taking the Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SATs) are discussed here. It is being proposed that the three sections of the SAT tests be taken by students over three days rather than one, as is now the case. <new> 4. <comment>46592 The 38th's Annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll of the Public Attitudes Toward the Public's Schools, Lowell C. Rose and Alec M. Gallup, Phi Delta Kappan, September 2006 This annual poll of the public's attitudes toward the public school system continues to be a very valuable source of information on the American public's feelings concerning public education in America. UNIT 2. Rethinking and Changing the Educative Effort <new> 5. <comment>46604 Where Have All the Strong Poets Gone?, Alan C. Jones, Phi Delta Kappan, April 2007 The author makes a telling metaphorical point regarding where we are in current debate as to the restructuring or renewal of American schooling. We stand on the shoulders of intellectual giants. Where have they gone? What have we forgotten? <new> 6. <comment>46605 George's Complaint, Bruce Buxton, Phi Delta Kappan, April 2007 The author seeks the perilous road toward school reform. He speaks to the rhetoric of school change and improvement. He argues that we are beyond the rhetoric of "slaying dragons" and into a more insightful world of educational critique. It is an incisive analysis of the school reform debate. <new> 7. <comment>46606 Qualities of Democracy, JoAnn Klinker, Journal of Thought, Summer 2006 The author encourages reflection on the form of change needed in the structure of American schooling. She addresses the need to take into account the cultural contexts of schooling. She argues for democratic community involvement in our efforts to reorganize American school systems. 8. <comment>42804 Friendly Competition, George M. Holmes, Jeff Desimone, and Nicholas G. Rupp, Education Next, Winter 2006 The authors of this essay deal with the question as to what extent the existence of charter schools might motivate or cause improvements in public schools. They discuss the difficulties encountered when attempting to answer this question accurately. They argue that the presence of charter school competition increases traditional public school performance by about 1 percent. <new> 9. <comment>46607 A Coming Crisis in Suburban Schooling?, Lewis Andrews, The American Enterprise, July/August 2006 The author discusses major structural issues confronting American suburban school districts. The political reality of schooling in the American suburbs is laid bare for all to see. The author argues that vested professional and local political interests are securely in control of suburban schooling in America. <new> 10. <comment>46608 Affecting Social Change, William C. Sewell, Educational Foundations, Fall 2005 The author argues that educators must take a stand against Federal and State mandates, which most financially pressured school systems cannot afford to meet. The author notes that while Federal financing levels have been reduced, school systems are asked (or required) to increase levels of student performance. Change in education seems to be the theme; the conclusion, however, is ambiguous at best. <new> 11. <comment>46609 The Agony of American Education, Lisa Snell, Reason Magazine, April 2006 The author discusses public school reform in the context of the 1990s and today. The concept of public school funding following the children is discussed. What the San Francisco public schools have done to change student performance is discussed. The author proposes broader parameters for the concept of school choice with public moneys. UNIT 3. Striving for Excellence: The Drive for Quality <new> 12. <comment>46610 Why We Can't Always Get What We Want, Barbara Bartholomew, Phi Delta Kappan, April 2007 The author discusses means to increase levels of intrinsic motivation of students to learn. She offers an insightful first-person account as to how teachers and students, working together, can improve student motivation and academic performance. Issues regarding the teaching and learning processes in schools are squarely confronted. <new> 13. <comment>46611 Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice, Stephen H. Davis, Phi Delta Kappan, April 2007 This is an insightful introduction for teachers as to what is "good" for students' learning in schools. The author attempts to bridge the gap between educational theory and practice. The language clarity gap between academic scholars in education and classroom teachers in the schools is well described. 14. <comment>42807 What Colleges Forget to Teach, Robert P. George, City Journal, Winter 2006 The author contends that colleges should prepare students to understand better the history of American civilization and not simply to focus on class, race, and gender issues or differences. He relates the educational mission of colleges teaching young adults to the broader cultural and political traditions of the nation. What he argues applies to the mission of secondary schools and the education of adolescents. Civic education must be our focus. <new> 15. <comment>46612 Assessing Applied Skills, Joe DiMartino and Andrea Castenada, Educational Leadership, April 2007 The authors discuss applied skills in school learning. They advocate very useful skill development for students which will improve their performance in schools. They describe examples of how authentic individualized "project" approaches to schooling can optimize student learning and performance. 16. <comment>41657 Help for Stressed Students, Denise Clark Pope and Richard Simon, Educational Leadership, April 2005 The authors discuss the serious problem of emotional stress among students. It can deeply affect students' progress in schools. Specific suggestions as to what to do with stressed students are offered. This article is especially relevant for adolescent learners. <new> 17. <comment>46615 When Mama Can't Read, Kathleen S. Cooter, The Reading Teacher, April 2006 The matter of how to address the problem of intergenerational illiteracy is addressed in this essay. The concept is clearly defined and what strategies may be adopted by teachers to break the chain of intergenerational illiteracy are offered. Very specific and helpful strategies are presented for advancing the literacy skills of children from illiterate parents. UNIT 4. Values, Society, and Education <new> 18. <comment>46617 Putting a Stop to Slave Labor, Bryan Welch, Utne Reader, March/A pril 2007 The author addresses the issue of illegal immigration and offers what he believes to be a moral solution to it. He clarifies this vital issue and dramatizes the enormous moral dimensions of it. Illegal immigration (the author says) is a testament to our hypocracy (as a nation). <new> 19. <comment>46619 Creating Moral Schools, Bruce Law, Educational Horizons, Fall 2005 The author argues that schools can and should promote basic moral values. He argues for a concept called Critical Friends Groups (CFGs), and he says that through this effort we can make basic principles of morality a part of school life. He argues for the theory of "collective intentionality" in the effort to create "moral" schools, and discusses how this can be done. He applies John Rawl's theory of justice to schooling. 20. <comment>42817 Promoting Altruism in the Classroom, E.H. Mike Robinson III and Jennifer R. Curry, Childhood Education, Winter 2005/2006 The authors present ideas on how to teach about altruism in educational settings, especially in classrooms. They raise the question as to how we can teach students about self-sacrifice, not contingent on reward. They argue that teachers can be great role models to their students regarding caring, compassionate behavior toward others. 21. <comment>42818 "In the End You Are Sure to Succeed", Harold Holzer, OAH Magazine of History, January 2006 The author provides us with Abraham Lincoln's ideas on personal perseverance, a very important value. The author found this anecdote among Lincoln's private papers. 22. <comment>42813 Character and Academics, Jacques S. Benninga et al., Phi Delta Kappan, February 2006 The authors present a strong argument that well defined and implemented character education programs should exist alongside traditional academic programs in the schools. Students need to learn about such values as respect for person, civility, honor, perseverance, and many others. 23. <comment>42816 Should We Teach Patriotism?, Diane Ravitch, Phi Delta Kappan, April 2006 The author reminds us that historically the schools have taught students about patriotism and responsible citizenship. The public schools have historically taught this nation's democratic ideology. UNIT 5. Managing Life in Classrooms 24. <comment>42822 Discipline, Doris Walker-Dalhouse, Childhood Education, Fall 2005 The author cites research that reflects the existence of prejudice against African American and Hispanic males in majority member teachers' disciplinary practices in their classrooms. Cultural minority students tend to receive more severe disciplinary actions than their white counterparts. Marva Collins' methods of classroom management are described. <new> 25. <comment>46620 School Resource Officer Programs, Peter Finn, FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, August 2006 The author describes "School Resource Officer" programs in public schools (SROs) and how they work. This is a private voluntary program to improve school discipline. A rationale is provided as to how SROs can prevent or at least ameliorate school discipline problems. <new> 26. <comment>46621 Are Public Schools Successful?, Robert Craig, Educational Horizons, Summer 2006 The author argues that public schools in America have fallen short of the original goals of the "common school" movement of the nineteenth century. His critique is brief, yet insightful and believable. This is a very caring essay regarding the overwhelming problems of American public schooling. <new> 27. <comment>46622 A Uniform Look, Yasmine L. Konheim-Kalkstein, American School Board Journal, August 2006 The author discusses the pros and cons of students being required to wear uniforms in schools. It is a fairly comprehensive discussion of the issues involved in this practice. The effects of school uniforms on the maintenance of school discipline and how it affects classroom management in schools is well argued. 28. <comment>40843 Dealing with Rumors, Secrets, and Lies, Betsy Lane, Middle School Journal, January 2005 The author discusses, in very interesting detail, how girls and boys will use lies and rumors to achieve their personal goals in their social lives, and offers suggestions on how to reach out to students. UNIT 6. Cultural Diversity and Schooling <new> 29. <comment>46419 As Diversity Grows, So Must We, Gary R. Howard, Educational Leadership, March 2007 The author addresses the issue of cultural diversity in schools with good insight and an understanding of demographic change in schools. He suggests five phases of professional development for educators for assisting them to adjust to this social phenomenon. <new> 30. <comment>46623 What Families Want, Deborah Wadsworth and Michael Hamill Remaley, Educational Leadership, March 2007 The authors discuss what families hope for in their students' schooling. They note that cultural minority students and parents are more likely to be dissatisfied with their public schools curricula. <new> 31. <comment>46624 Where Is Equity in the National Standards?, Barbara Beyerbach and Thurman D. Nassoiy, Scholar-Practitioner Quarterly, Summer 2004 The authors have done an interesting review of national standards for teacher certification, which addresses cultural equity issues in teacher education programs. Their analysis is clear. The authors express well their concerns for how the national standards for teaching movement influences social equity issues in schools. 32. <comment>46435 Researching Historically Black Colleges, Matthew J. Paris and Marybeth Gasman, Multicultural Review, Summer 2006 The authors provide us with archival sources of the historically Black African American college system in America (both public and private). They present an informative view of the development of Black higher education in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. <new> 33. <comment>46625 "Not Writing It Out But Writing It Off", Jorgelina Abbate-Vaughn, Multicultural Education, Summer 2006 The author discusses the issues involved in preparing multicultural teachers for urban classroom teaching positions. This is an excellent and well-documented article on teaching in urban schools in America. This is a case study on teacher preparation. Multicultural education as a part of teacher preparation is emphasized. 34. <comment>45635 Melange Cities, Blair A. Ruble, Wilson Quarterly, Summer 2006 The author discusses the phenomenon of immigration into major North American cities. He argues that new immigrants are frequently a great benefit to society. Montreal, Canada is used as an example. An international perspective is taken by the author in documenting his argument that immigration can be a positive force in urban development. UNIT 7. Serving Special Needs and Concerns <new> 35. <comment>46626 Self-Regulation, Linda Groves Gillespie and Nancy L. Seibel, Young Children, July 2006 The authors discuss the topic of self-regulation as an important dimension of human life. What they have to say on this matter is of great importance to everyone. The self-regulation develops in early childhood and its importance is great even in the last stages of life. The authors describe eight temperament traits in early childhood development. 36. <comment>42830 City's Pupils Get More Hype than Hope, Sol Stern, City Journal, Winter 2006 The author explores political dimensions of operations in urban school systems, and he is critical of the effectiveness of mayoral control of major city school systems. He argues that much publicity is addressed to parents and stud ents, yet there is less hope for students because of the political power plays for control of urban school systems. <new> 37. <comment>46628 Revisiting the Common Myths about Homeschooling, Michael H. Romanowski, The Clearing House, January/February 2006 The author addresses issues regarding the practice of home schooling. He points out several misconceptions regarding home schooling. The stereotypes of home schooling among public school teachers and educational establishment leaders are articulated. The myths about home schooled children are addressed and rejected in this essay. 38. <comment>42832 Acting White, Roland G. Fryer, Education Next, Winter 2006 How "acting white" can have possible adverse long-term effects on minority students is discussed. The reasons for this phenomenon are documented by the author. He reports on how he gathered his research results. The social costs to high achieving minority students are documented. UNIT 8. The Profession of Teaching Today <new> 39. <comment>46629 The Essential Cognitive Backpack, Mel Levine, Educational Leadership, April 2007 The author has written an informative, well-prepared, basic essay on what cognitive thinking skills all students should strive to learn on their journey into adulthood. All students need to strive for true comprehension of what they study. He provides very specific cognitive skill guidelines for evaluative and analytically clear thinking. The author's proposed cognitive backpack will equip high school graduates to face the world confidently. <new> 40. <comment>46630 Why Teacher Networks (Can) Work, Tricia Niesz, Phi Delta Kappan, April 2007 The author discusses the concept of teacher networks and how they work. "Communities of practice" are also discussed. This is a very important essay for all in-service educators. The idea of communities of practice with teachers learning together from dialogue about professional practice is endorsed. <new> 41. <comment>46631 Uncovering Teacher Leadership, Richard Ackerman and Sarah V. Mackenzie, Educational Leadership, May 2006 The authors have prepared an interesting essay on how we can discover and develop leadership qualities in teachers. Teacher leaders stay true to their basic educational philosophies. They value cooperative, collaborative educational strategies in educational settings. <new> 42. <comment>46632 Respect, Reciprocity, and Reflection in the Classroom, Theoni Soublis Smyth, Kappa Delta Pi Record, Fall 2005 The author provides an insightful and reflective discussion of the very profound experience of how a person learns to teach. It emphasizes the need for a teacher to learn from others as they attempt to teach and build their self-esteem as educators. Respect for diversity, reciprocity of learning between teacher and students as, well as reflection on classroom practice are key factors in teachers' learning. <new> 43. <comment>46633 Drop Everything and Read--But How?, Jan Hasbrouck, American Educator, Summer 2006 The author addresses issues related to how best to develop reading fluency. She cites the shortcomings of certain current curriculum strategies in teaching reading and adds her own perspective on the matter. The National Assessment of Educational Progress Fluency Scale (NAEPFS) is introduced and explained. <new> 44. <comment>46634 Teacher Dispositions as Predictors of Good Teaching, Carroll M. Helm, The Clearing House, January/February 2006 The author deals with teacher dispositions as predictors of good teaching. Teachers' attitudes in the classroom matter very much. "Great teachers are the ones with heart--big, beautiful, caring hearts." Does that not say it all? 45. <comment>42841 The Boss in the Classroom, Louis P. Masur, The Chronicle of Higher Education, September 2, 2005 The author offers specific suggestions as to how to help students see greater significance to the subject matter that they learn in school by using popular culture artists, especially musicians, to liven up course work. He uses Bruce Springsteen as an example in this article, as well as other popular artists such as Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan. UNIT 9. For Vision and Hope: Alternative Visions of Reality <new> 46. <comment>46635 Becoming Citizens of the World, Vivien Stewart, Educational Leadership, April 2007 The author addresses the issue of vision in American education as she addresses the worldwide vision of what education can become in a multicultural world. She addresses the concept of "global competence" and predicts what American high school graduates will be able to do. She argues that we must all have a vision of what we wish to achieve. <new> 47. <comment>46636 Charting a New Course for Schools, Marc Tucker, Educational Leadership, April 2007 The author argues for a "new course" in the direction of American schools. The author describes a vision of what would be possible for the academic achievement of American high school graduates. Issues relating to teacher education recruitment are addressed. 48. <comment>42845 Deja Vu: All Over Again?, Henry Levin, Education Next, Spring 2006 Levin contends that schools of the future will continue to operate pretty much as they do now in the first decade of the 21st century. We continue to reinvent the "wheel" in education; thus, many current predictions for the future of education are echoes of rhetoric concerning the future of schooling, first conjured up in the 1990s. We will see what the future will bring. 49. <comment>35822 An Emerging Culture, Christopher Bamford and Eric Utne, Utne Reader, May/June 2003 The authors provide a worldwide vision of how the innovative alternative Waldorf School System has come about, which is part of the vision for a better human condition created by the social vision of Rudolf Steiner. Steiner's vision of a better human future has been played out in many different fields of human endeavor, education being one of them.