Traces the history of Al Shanker's work in building the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), focusing on his tenure as president of the organization. During his presidency, the AFT won 1,249 elections involving half a million people and added 373 locals to its membership. (SLD)

This collection of the writings and speeches of Albert Shanker, long-time president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), focuses on his efforts in elevating the profession of teaching. As he contended and demonstrated, building teaching as a profession relied on the development of a strong union of teachers, the AFT. (SLD)

In this collection of the writings and speeches of Al Shanker, the focus is on his interest in civil and human rights, for teachers, students, and the citizens of the world. Central to his views was the belief that education is the way to economic equality. (SLD)

The speeches and writings of Albert Shaker, many taken from his weekly newspaper column, reveal his abiding concern for educational improvement and his continuing commitment of the American Federation of Teachers to the support of real improvement, grounded in high standards and not in reform fads. (SLD)

Argues that politics and ideology have clouded the debate over education policy and hindered efforts to create the quality schools need most. Questions whether scientific research can help in creating students with "higher-order thinking." Discusses the consensus of research on pedagogy, classroom environment, pace, clarity, managing and…

Discusses the problem of educational research volume and the potentially destructive educational fads being introduced into the educational system. Presents a case for the construction of a professional knowledge base, grounded in and informed by research into high-performing schools. (GR)

Addresses what happens when educational theories in literacy and classroom realities do not mesh. It argues a need for educational leaders to pay close attention to feedback from parents and practitioners, especially those from minority communities. (GR)

Discusses what high school students are saying about disruptive students. Students expressed a desire for higher standards, for themselves and their peers, in the areas of both discipline and academics. However, students' standards for and expectations of their school are declining. (GR)

Suggests that in the push to make lessons more interesting for students, it is important not to lose sight of the chicken-and-egg paradox--that knowledge and effort are often what beget interest in the first place. Asserts that if the teacher begins with what is already interesting, the eventual result may be boredom. (SM)

This interview with author and cultural historian Jacques Barzun discusses the origins of history, science, art, literature, and math, calling them the core of intellectual inheritance. Notes how the frameworks they provide enable people to extend their understanding of the world and reach beyond natural, human parochialism. Discusses the…

A high school English teacher explains why after a long teaching career, he is still motivated to remain in the classroom, focusing on his use of literature to motivate students. This teacher believes that literature reveals more about humanity than theology, philosophy, psychology, or history ever can. He notes that it also teaches beauty and…

Asserts that with heroes, people confront crisis and terror; experiencing the extraordinary and expanding their notion of what it means to be human. Once central in schooling, the study of heroes helped students find the good to be imitated and the evil to be avoided. Suggests that while the notion of heroes has changed since then, the need for…

Asserts that getting students to apply their knowledge in new situations is important, noting that reaching this goal generally requires that students have a large share of knowledge of the relevant topic. Describes rote versus inflexible knowledge, explaining that inflexible knowledge is the normal foundation for expertise and discussing how…

Compares two social studies textbooks for second graders, one standard curriculum (SC) text and the other from the Core Knowledge Curriculum (CKC). It argues that the SC textbook is boring and overly simplified, while the CKC textbook is interesting and considerably more informative. It suggests that elementary school students are fully capable of…

The academic achievement of students in Nigeria, Sweden, Canada, and other countries demonstrates that students will work hard and achieve at high levels if they know what is expected and if serious consequences are attached to achievement. External curriculum-based examinations have great potential for educational improvement in the United…