Futurists, policy makers, and other stakeholders propose sweeping reforms of the American education system. However, there is little evidence that the current add-on, underfunded system will reverse the failure pattern among children of color and those living in poverty. This article presents a dramatic and feasible proposal to establish a…

The science-technology-society (STS) movement is emerging at the collegiate level. In elementary and secondary school science, social studies, and industrial arts classes, there is a growing awareness of the need for students to learn about technology and the methods by which it can be directed, made more appropriate, and controlled. This issue of…

Matching learning styles and teaching methods may help students develop to their fullest capabilities. A brief historical view of research on teaching methods is offered, and various learning and teaching styles are defined and categorized. Future predictions focus on improved classroom management, increased student involvement, and changes in…

Historical information about how teachers have taught over the past century was reviewed to determine what patterns of teacher behavior have persisted over time, despite reformers' efforts to change them. Although there were periods of change during the 1920s and the 1960s, teacher-centered instruction reasserted itself after reform efforts…

In West Africa, international studies were overstressed under colonial rule, while native African traditions and languages were neglected. Educational reforms are underway to remedy that situation. In the United States, national studies have been overemphasized and global education underemphasized. (PP)

The history of public education in the United States is outlined, with emphasis on the role of public schools in binding a diverse citizenry and transmitting civic values and traditions. Included is a discussion of the common schools movement. (IAH)

Civic education in the United States, in addition to training for citizenship, has involved socializing students to accept existing social relations that inhibit full adult participation in civic society, especially for women. Contemporary and historical contexts of public school education of women are reviewed. (IAH)

This article discusses two outcomes of the movement to solve economic problems through school reform: corruption of the civic mission of public education, and the straightjacket-like conditions of teaching brought about by such reforms. Also discussed is the Institute for Democracy in Education, whose focus is democratic empowerment of students.…

Sociohistorical analysis of literacy among African Americans notes that acquiring access to literacy has involved continuous struggle against unrelenting opposition from most segments of society. The article traces conceptions of literacy held by African Americans from 1700-1992, concluding that lessons from the past provide insight into current…

Explores meanings attached to literacy within a generation of African Americans, noting implications of intergenerational beliefs and traditions for African-American students. Data from discussions with 25 elderly adults examine how beliefs shaping educational legacies are often enacted through interpretations and translations of literacy within…

After a historical perspective of foreign language teaching in the United States, the article discusses current needs for second-language instruction, explores attempts to teach critical languages in public schools, and suggests approaches for the future. (SM)

Compares the origins, curricular and pedagogical content, and impact of the new math and standards-based reform movements, describing: events leading up to this new math era and characteristics of representative curriculums; the demise of the movement; the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' standards-based reform movement; and reactions…