Summarizes in an interview Sidney Hook's personal experiences as a student and teacher in the New York City school system before the era of progressive education. Reflects on the contributions and failings of progressive education. (PS)

A number of forces steer talented undergraduates away from the choice of teaching as a profession. Both liberal arts colleges and professional educators have helped their brightest students to view precollege teaching as a career that is legitimate only for those who can't aspire to more prosperous fields. (KH)

Compares American educational problems to Japan's universally high literacy and achievement rate, positing that Japan's success is related to cultural homogeneity, strong school discipline, and strong motivation to succeed at all levels. Suggests that some Japanese educational strategies can be adopted in American schools, despite great…

Reviews "Hunger of Memory," a 1981 book by Richard Rodriguez. Contrasts demands by university students that they be taught by minority faculty members with Rodriguez's awareness that cultural differences between instructors and disadvantaged students are an important factor in enabling such students to join the educational elite in…

Since teaching is a creative endeavor, there are no infallible guides to success. Good instruction, however, typically involves four elements: motivation, organization, clarification, and generalization. Furthermore, a great teacher is one who projects a vision of excellence. (Author/GC)

Argues that everyday school violence, as distinct from isolated sensational incidents, is caused at least in part by the educational policies and procedures governing schools and by the way these policies are implemented. Trends affecting school disorders, including erosion of teacher authority, are discussed, and some solutions are proposed. (SLD)