Examines the role played by national literacy campaigns in larger transformations among societies over the past 400 years. Literacy campaigns have attempted to integrate individuals into more comprehensive political and/or religious communities. Analyzes the historical lessons educators can learn from several such campaigns. (CJH)

Argues that being "on grade level" in reading does not equip students to meet the standards of an increasingly technological world. Presents research findings indicating that high school graduates need a 15th-grade reading level for admission to most major universities and to succeed in modern vocational colleges. (CJH)

An English professor answers the most difficult questions from people who would censor school reading materials. The "secular humanism" controversy has provoked such diverse moral and legal meanings that librarians often avoid book selections. Educators can make informed decisions about good literature, even if the reality depicted appears…

Asserts that the widely cited set of characteristics of effective schools cannot be substantiated. The lack of research supporting the formula raises questions about school effectiveness programs. Recommends a synthesis of approaches that meet a school's needs and include a broader political agenda. (CJH)

Presents a critical rejoinder to Stedman's article that dismisses the validity of school effectiveness guidelines. Stedman has misused school effectiveness research findings, for the data actually support these characteristics. Stedman's generalized alternatives lack adequate supportive evidence. (CJH)

Outlines the gains made to date from school/business partnerships and analyzes limits of such partnerships in relation to individual school needs, reform efforts, and costs. Speculates about the effect of involving private vendors in the work of education. (CJH)

Current strategies for school renewal are based on outdated concepts emphasizing family involvement in schools. The function of the family has been fundamentally altered culturally, demographically, and economically. New strategies necessitate changing school governance structures and crossing the boundaries of private and public sectors. (MD)

Chapter 1 was the federal government's first large-scale school aid program attempting to break the "cycle of poverty." The program's effectiveness--especially the formula for funding disbursement--is questioned. Congressional hearings in 1987 are expected to examine the program and consider the most effective means to provide poor children…

Outlines a teacher incentive plan developed for the Jefferson County (Kentucky) Public Schools and scheduled for pilot testing during the 1987-88 school year. The program is modeled after airline frequent flyer programs and is designed to encourage cooperative action and individual incentive among teachers. (MD)

Many of the educational reforms being implemented become union issues when they reach the local school district levels. Presents a study of four school districts with such reforms under negotiation. Although administrators proposed the changes, the teachers and their local unions often proved to be constructive participants in those changes.…

Outlines the Mathematics and Science Relicensing Program developed by the New York City Board of Education to resolve problem of a shortage of science and math teachers in New York City schools. Working with nearby universities, teachers already working in the system are retrained. This overcomes high cost of initiating new teachers into a system…

Describes the experiences of a college dean and a professor of educational administration who returned to the public schools as administrators in the Kansas City (Missouri) schools. From their experiences with implementing change within schools, they learned that professional staff development activities do not foster substantive change unless…

A partnership between Texas Tech University and the Lubbock, Texas, schools has 141 of the university faculty members volunteering in the classrooms. They serve as resources, exchange teachers, and role models and mentors for the students. (MD)

The drive to eliminate undergraduate teacher education programs raises problems. Discusses the hostile climate of opinion expressed about teacher education in many colleges and universities. (MD)

The Holmes Group, a consortium of education deans formed in 1986 to promote teacher education reform, in its first year has had 94 universities join the organization and has been much more successful than expected. But the next few years are crucial to its mission. Discusses the controversies and confusion the organization has engendered. (MD)