This case is developed for use in classes in which key ideas related to democracy, accountability, inclusion, finances, and social justice are introduced. It could be useful in a course on school reform or on democratic leadership. Although the case is fictional, it is a composite in which all events and information provided are "real." The intent…

Discusses the possibility of the development of the content and form of mathematical education as a tool of democratization in both school and society. Summarizes the social argument and the pedagogical argument of democratization. Analyzes the concept "democratic competence" to create materials at the same time open and empowering. (Author/YP)

At Ruskin College full-time students take teaching methods courses and teach part-time adult students. Focus on critical adult education fosters skills connecting education and democracy to create a more just and participatory society. (SK)

Explains three American forms of employee-owned companies. The Mock Conventional firm models its legal structure after conventional enterprises, with shares held primarily by employees. The Employee Stock Ownership Plan regulates the shareholding patterns of ESOP firms. The Producer Cooperative guarantees each member an equal voice in corporate…

Discusses the controversy over multicultural education. Contrasts California's pluralistic approach with New York's particularistic approach. Argues for a multiculturalism that provides students with both an appreciation for America's racial and cultural diversity and a commitment to the common culture that unites all of us in America. (JS)

Begins by reviewing widely-perceived ills of France's lower secondary schools and noting the political nature of any decision to change. Outlines the official 1982 four-point program of reform designed to move toward genuine democratization of the schools. Notes obstacles to change, but provides guidelines for a number of practices deemed helpful…

Reviews data from 10 opinion surveys that show that public dissatisfaction with standardized testing is neither profound nor pervasive. Analyzes the discrepancy between the public's views and the claims and legislative demands of self-appointed spokespersons for the public on this issue. (Author/GC)

Value diversity and promote understanding--so read a heading in a school district's strategic plan. The phrase was to initiate six months of controversial community debate that was eventually encapsulated into the single question: Should our schools respect or should they value diversity? This question polarized the community, ultimately shaping…

Current educational management systems encourage the view of students and teachers as problem creators. Schools might be reformed through a greater appreciation of modern business practices which emphasize democratic participation. All members of the educational process could become decision makers and problem solvers. (KH)

Discusses issues surrounding the support of local arts councils. Uses an example of federal policy and one of California State policy to illustrate the magnitude of official opposition to reforming cultural policy in the United States. (MK)

The article traces the history of the social sciences and shows how they developed their modern form in Western universities. It argues that they are undermining rather than supporting democratic order and suggests that universities, with their commitment to truth and freedom of thought, can transform such disciplines into worthwhile entities. (SM)

News analysis and entertainment media is part of a media literacy that helps students access, analyze, evaluate and create messages using media in various forms. Media literacy is a key asset in a democracy as well as a bridge to reading comprehension, as skillful media use and script-reading activities can support the English acquisition skills,…

Presents U.S. broadcasting history as the interplay between powerful commercial forces and a broadcast reform movement that opposed commercial control of the industry. Suggests that broadcast reformers developed traditions of media criticism that are useful today. Describes the lack of debate preceding the Communications Act of 1934 as a weak spot…

This paper tracks policies in the governance of higher education over the first decade of South Africa's democracy. The first democratically elected government of 1994 was faced with the formidable task of dismantling the structures of apartheid education. The foundations for a new policy were laid by a National Commission that reported in 1996,…

A three-year project to reform civics curriculum in the Czech Republic tested a progressivist model by stressing behavioral objectives. A shift was made from subject-centered civic education to skill-based citizenship education based on the abilities needed for democracy. (SK)