Explores some features of controversies about the production of knowledge by considering assumptions that have guided social theory at least since the 19th century. When systems of reasoning in educational studies are examined as social practices, it becomes apparent that the stakes of educational research are social and political as well as…

Argues for the use of collaborative research, not as a replacement for individual research but as a valuable alternative. Benefits and difficulties of collaborative research are outlined, obstacles to its conduct are reviewed, and ways to make it work are suggested, supplemented with descriptions of actual collaborative research. (SLD)

Two of the books reviewed, "Horace's Hope: What Works for the American High School" and "The End of Education: Redefining the Value of School," discuss the future of educational reform. "Kinderculture," suggests that today's children are living with a fundamentally new reality in which corporations are the primary educators of the young. (SLD)

Reviews international academic achievement differences and argues that poor U.S. performance in math reflects curricular focus and teaching deficiencies, not inadequate sampling techniques. Reveals that U.S. student achievement has been weak for decades, suggesting fundamental school reform is warranted. (GR)

Argues against Gerald Bracey's following assertions (1996): (1) U.S. students do far better on international academic comparisons than reported; and (2) the government and popular press have led the country into a false achievement crisis. Suggests that U.S. participation in international studies of this type relies on a strong and independent…

Responds to David Baker's critical essay (1996) concerning G. W. Bracey's arguments that a false academic achievement crisis had been government engineered and that U.S. students were, in fact, comparing well to their international counterparts. Discusses shared issues between L. C. Stedman (1993, 1996) and Baker, and explores data and contentions…

Addresses the issue of comparing U.S. with student academic achievement in other countries and argues that there is cause to be concerned. Reveals a consistently poor academic achievement record for U.S. students that spans 50 years. Such evidence suggests that U.S. schooling and learning are seriously deficient, warranting fundamental reform. (GR)

Examines each section of the Task Force on the Role and Future of Minorities' 1996 report that was delivered to the American Education Research Association (AERA) Council. Discusses Historical Context of Diversity Efforts in AERA; Changing Demographics, Epistemologies, and Ideologies; Inventory of Concerns; and Task Force Recommendations. (GR)

Reviews four hypotheses that describe the disconnection between educational research and practice. These hypotheses claim that research needs to be more authoritative, relevant, and accessible; and that the educational system is often unable to adequately reply to research findings. The historical thought behind each hypothesis and the place for…

Describes the following three forms of direct researcher-practitioner cooperation: data-extraction agreements; clinical partnerships; and colearning agreements. Each form's distinctions are highlighted illustrating how, unavoidably, educational research projects are social interventions in the lives of project participants. (GR)

Focuses on the relationship between educational research and practice as described by three former presidents of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). Perspectives cover the need for the reflective practitioner, for the AERA to reach out and reassess its purpose, and for a climate to develop that allows for practice and research to…

Argues that the reputation of education research is simultaneously worse--and better--than most have assumed and that some efforts recently initiated suggest a strategy for improving the situation. Efforts to stimulate research syntheses on significant education problems are highlighted. (GR)

Addresses the potential strengths and weaknesses of alternative forms of data representation in educational research. Explores the conception of the nature of knowledge and the relationship between what one knows and how this knowledge is represented. (GR)

Responds to Robert Slavin's article "Design Competitions: A Proposal for a New Federal Role in Educational Research and Development" (Educational Researcher, 1997). Compares two approaches to improving federal educational research and development management: the System of Expert Panels, and Proposed Design Competitions. Key similarities and…

Responds to Sue Klein's comparative analysis on Design Competitions and Expert Panels (Educational Research, 1997) in which the author addresses drawbacks of the Expert Panels approach to educational product evaluation. Cautions that the approach is so minimalist a strategy that it could inhibit more serious attempts to build a system based on…