If the notion of public and private spheres seems somehow quaint or old-fashioned, the distinction between public and private corporations will be that much more obscure. Yet Channel One broadcasts in a public school classroom are indisputably the result of a contract between a private corporation (Alloy Media + Marketing) and a public corporation…

The attribution of low literacy levels among Gypsy children to difficulties of access to schools neglects underlying sociocultural explanations. There has been little analysis in reports/studies of Gypsy attitudes toward literacy, nor of outcomes of acquisition. Informed by new literacy theory and by the discourse of previous ethnographic studies,…

Draws on data from research on charter schools to question the extent to which "democratic" and "market-based" schools are dichotomous. Makes the case that free-market and deregulatory educational reforms such as charter schools are perceived to be highly democratic by their neoliberal advocates. Suggests that progressive supporters of charter…

Alternative educational goals that have been at the root of educational conflict in the United States are explored: (1) democratic equality; (2) social efficiency; and (3) social mobility. Conflict over these goals, especially the domination of the social mobility goal, has resulted in a contradictory structure that impairs educational efficiency.…

Explores the debate between positivist and postmodern points of view in science education. Historical and philosophical interpretations of the issues lead to the conclusion that science teacher education should look for neutral ground, stressing the best of various positions and emphasizing creativity in science. (SLD)

Before analysts can assess self-esteem as a goal for policy and practice, they must consider the ideological orientations of those who use the term and the cultural norms that shape the debate. Explicit attention to the politics surrounding self-esteem is needed to evaluate the use of the term in policy contexts. (Author/SLD)

The nature of collaboration and collaborative relationships in professional development research is reviewed, and an alternative conceptualization of the role of collaboration in professional development is offered. Stories of 10 collaborators, presented as Readers' Theatre, highlight differences in collaborative experiences and challenge…

This interpretive analysis of multicultural education in the United States suggests that discourse, text, and practice in the multicultural domain are associated with unexamined assumptions about culture, self, and individual identity. A critical analysis of these ideas supports the need for a more reflexive multicultural discourse. (SLD)

This defense of the authors' previous report states that there is a large sex difference in mathematical reasoning ability among intellectually talented preadolescents. The authors concluded differential course taking could not account for observed sex differences among intellectually gifted students, although this may affect average ability…

The authors contend their study and criticism of the Benbow and Stanley results were valid. Benbow and Stanley's clarification that their conclusions pertain only to intellectually talented students and competency in mathematical reasoning ability resolves this disagreement. (DWH)

Prior to 1975, students in Chicago Public Schools were assigned grade level tests, a practice that in 1974 resulted in 42 percent of the students scoring at the equivalent of a "chance" level. In 1975, the schools switched to functioning level testing. The change caused lower average test scores, but the percentage of chance scores dropped to…

Ausubel asserts that his work is impugned in various ways in Anderson, Spiro, and Anderson. This paper argues that a more careful reading of the original paper obviates most of Ausubel's concerns. (Author/GK)

Anderson, Spiro, and Anderson (EJ 189 658) assert that the author's assimilation theory of meaningful learning and retention is "hopelessly vague." Documented examination of these assertions indicates that they are unspecified, unsubstantiated, undocumented, and based on indisputable misrepresentation of published material and on logical non…

The relationship between education policy and the workplace is explored in its historical context. Vocational education is examined as instrumental action and as symbolic action linked to the rise of professionalism and the modern industrial system. (SLD)

Although these are substantial reasons to question Wilshire's notion of a complete moral collapse of America's research universities, he does call attention to ethical problems. Wilshire supports restoring the task of teaching to undergraduates in a new professional ethic for the professoriate. (SLD)