Recent court decisions in Tennessee and Alabama requiring the teaching of "creationism" and the banning of "secular humanism" challenge educators to listen to the critics and present a wider curriculum including the role of religion in human affairs while protecting our heritage of intellectual freedom. (MD)

Two issues are important in the controversy over religion in the schools: whether or not the approaches being advocated by religious groups are educationally sound, and the constitutional issue of the public's right to control its schools. (MD)

The growth of groups of the religious right has resulted in a major ideological division in the United States. Outlines the strength of these groups, the particulars of the secular humanism debate, and the ability such groups have to coordinate issues and join together in campaigns influencing public education. (MD)

Recent Tennessee and Alabama court decisions raise similar issues involving (1) fundamental rights protected by the First Amendment and (2) the process of public education. Outlines the effects these decisions have on teachers and in classrooms. The supporters would suppress critical thinking and imagination while opponents would promote critical…

Lists eight effects that could result from the ruling in "Mozert v. Hawkins County Public Schools." These include widespread censorship, limitation of controversial topics, interference with management of instruction, and disruption of the school day. (MD)

The role of religion in American society has been ignored by textbook publishers and is not being taught in U.S. schools. The support for the separation of church and state is eroding as a result. Includes a sidebar providing supplementary resource materials on religion for use by teachers. (MD)

Advocating the complete separation of church and state, the author outlines the history of the present debate over the school-religion controversy. Includes a detailed discussion of interpretations of the First Amendment (especially the establishment clause) and Supreme Court decisions relating to the issue. (MD)

Discusses interpretations of the establishment clause of the First Amendment. Outlines how Supreme Court decisions involving separation of church and state have been based on misinterpretations both of the First Amendment and of the intentions of its framers. (MD)

To improve education there must be concurrent changes in all areas involved in education. Provides recommendations for improving teaching, supervision, and organizational development. (MD)

The superintendent of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, school district discusses the school improvement plan he has implemented in the Pittsburgh schools since 1981. (MD)

Discusses the need to develop professionalization of teaching and educational administration. Emphasizes the need to shift educational research and practice from a rationalistic to a rational approach. (MD)

Outlines how a Colorado high school individualized a "packaged" instructional supervision system and increased student achievement and teacher autonomy while developing positive relationships among teachers, students, and administrators. (MD)

The supervisor's visit to the classroom includes more than observation. An important dynamic in the teacher's acceptance of the supervisor is permission for interpersonal access. Includes an analysis of interviews with 12 teachers on the subject. (MD)

Discusses the purpose of the theory of developmental supervision, as well as the phases necessary to put the theory into practice. In this developmental model supervisors match their style of assistance to teachers' conceptual levels. Includes a table and references. (MD)

Having reviewed 2,000 studies on teaching writing, the author provides an evaluation of six instructional focuses: grammar, models, sentence combining, scales, inquiry, and free writing. Includes two figures, extensive references, and a sidebar focusing on the research highlights. (MD)