Critiques the position that extended teacher preparation programs are likely to reduce the quality and quantity of teachers and it is unlikely that they will improve teacher performance. This position is empty, lacking commitment to the larger vision of advocates of extended teacher education programs. (LHW)

While the United States has no effective bridges between school and work, half of West Germany's 16 to 18-year-olds learn a career in the workplace while attending school one day a week. This model can be adapted for American students to increase their employment opportunities and make academic learning easier. (Author/LHW)

Examines three contrasting teaching styles in a middle-class junior high school. Performance expectations of the school culture often conflict with the developmental needs of early adolescents to integrate expressive, peer-oriented behavior into classroom activities. Teachers' responses to this tension determine their teaching styles. (Author/LHW)

Describes social trends that, since the 1960s, have spawned new forms and uses of standardized testing, including educational growth, shifts in the locus of school control, and politicization of education. Discusses the new state-mandated tests. Presents a set of propositions to guide understanding of the testing debate and controversy. (KH)

Examines the historical origins and current consequences of the development of literacy instruction technology. Argues that reliance on technocratic skills-based approaches has resulted in a gradual deskilling of teachers and students with a literal, uncritical, and mechanical relation to reading, writing, and text interpretation. Asserts that…

Analyzes a nationwide graduate student survey to examine the influence of social class, sex, race, undergraduate achievement, and rank of undergraduate institution attended on rank or prestige of their graduate school. The results represent a contradictory picture of stratification in the academic hierarchy and reflect specific mechanisms that…

Examines the carry-over effects of high school size on extracurricular participation of senior students at a large university. Overall, participation declined from high school to college, especially for females, with greater decline related to smaller school size. Results suggest college participation is better explained by personality than it is…

Provides a rejoinder to comments published in the February issue rebutting author's article on the risks and promises of extended teacher-preparation programs. Covers issues surrounding costs and benefits, the need for evaluative research before investment in programs, the differences between types of programs, and their objectives and possible…

Examines the role of the working class in the expansion of the American public school system from 1870 to 1900. In contrast to progressive and recent revisionist theory, the nature and limits of social conflict is identified as the key to explaining the growth of public education in the United States. (Author/RH)

Argues that the education curriculum at the University of Chicago under the direction of Dewey's successor, Charles Judd, became specialized and fragmented to meet the needs of White male educators for a more acceptable career identity far removed from that of the public school teacher in a classroom, and thus undermined the development of a…

Building mainly on Kohut's conception of the creative individual, a model of self-development for the teacher is proposed. The dimensions of creativity, empathy, humor, and wisdom, developed through interaction with students, are highlighted as avenues for teacher growth. (Author/RH)

Discusses how seniority rules in teachers' contracts have affected the performance of public education during the last 10 years of decreasing enrollments and growing power of teachers' unions. The merits of alternative types of employment contracts are considered. (Author/RH)

One-year study of policy effects of collective bargaining in eight Illinois and California school districts found both sides' emotional commitment to bargaining positions, conflict over security and autonomy, and bargaining styles generated policy changes. Available from American Journal of Education, University of Chicago Press, 5801 South Ellis…

Student evaluations of three types of instructional methods were examined. Students preferred, in descending order, environmental (discussion), presentational (lecture), and nondirective (student initiation) teaching methods. Results indicated that differences between these methods were differences in kind, rather than in quality or quantity.…

Argues that the present structure of federal programs for elementary and secondary education is unwieldy and does too little to promote access and quality. Several broad directions for reform are outlined, including coordination at the local school level, but the idea of major program consolidation is rejected. (Author/DB)