Contemporary Education Issues - Böcker

Focuses on the purposes of bilingual education programs in schools and their historical development from the 1960s to the present.In this timely resource, educator Rosa Castro Feinberg surveys the developing field of bilingual education—its history, its theories, its practices, and the conflicts that swirl around it. She begins with an annotated chronology that describes influential people and events and traces themes in bilingual education from precolonial times to the present.In three detailed chapters, Feinberg summarizes the widely varied state and local policies and bilingual programs across the country, and demonstrates the profound impact of federal legislation, policies, and court decisions. She also examines the political challenge to linguistic diversity by anti-immigration groups and the common myths about bilingual education that have grown out of the media's handling of identity politics.Charts the evolution of bilingual education from 1565 to the present dayPresents excerpts from state and local bilingual education policies to help analyze the complex issues surrounding these policies

A state-of-the-art resource concentrating on the practical applications, philosophical and social policy motivations, and historical development of various approaches to multicultural education in the United States.In this comprehensive introduction to multicultural education, author Peter Appelbaum reveals that Native American-run schools in the early 19th century produced nearly 100 percent literacy rates—higher among western Oklahoma Cherokees than among whites in nearby Texas or Arkansas. Today, as the country rapidly becomes more racially and ethnically diverse, he discusses how success in diversity education requires that administrators, teachers, and students change the way they look at each other, the curriculum, and the structures and policies that govern schools.Diversity and Multicultural Education: A Reference Handbook examines the political and educational arguments for and against multicultural education, provides a range of curriculum approaches, describes the dilemmas of assessment, and explores political and legal issues. Also included are a chronology, directories, and bibliographies.Bibliography contains print resources covering community building and curriculum such as Venture into Cultures: A Resource Book of Multicultural Materials and Programs, along with nonprint resources such as websites for state standards on culturally responsive schools and online magazines devoted to multicultural educationProvides a chronology of the evolution of the concept of multicultural and diversity education in the United States from the introduction of the term multiculturalism in the 1970s to the reexamination of the concept as a culturally valued term in the 1990s

A survey of the evolution of student rights, from children as property to free speech, prayer in the classroom, compulsory flag salutes, school searches, drug testing, and the right to equal education.This fascinating survey provides a comprehensive introduction to student rights, tracing the legal status of children as their father's property to their current status as citizens entitled to constitutional rights. Written by Patricia Hinchey, Student Rights: A Reference Handbook chronicles the landmark legislation and court decisions that have enabled the gradual transformation of students' rights.This book explains issues surrounding mandatory education and education as a property right, examines various inequities such as the segregation of minority students, and discusses bilingualism (notably the Ebonics, or Black English, controversy in Oakland, California). It describes the persistent tension regarding religion and education, and explores current controversies such as the widespread use of strip searches in schools by nonuniformed officials.Provides a chronology of selected legislation and Supreme Court cases from the Bill of Rights in 1791 to the 2000 ruling in Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe, which struck down a Texas high school policy allowing student-led prayers at football gamesIncludes a diverse directory of organizations and Internet resources from the ACLU and Christian Coalition of America to the Internet Free Expression Alliance and the official Teen Rights home page

A unique reference work providing information and resources on the main issues concerning the education of African Americans over the past two decades.From 1954 to the present, from preschool programs like Headstart to historically black colleges and universities, African American Education: A Reference Handbook explores the black educational experience. Statistical analysis and anecdotal evidence, along with interviews with leading black educators, help readers understand the African American perspective on such controversial issues as testing, curriculum choice, institutional approaches, affirmative action, and the effects of desegregation. Readers will also discover how the striking incompatibility between early informal education experiences and later formal education results in a dichotomy that sets African Americans apart from other groups.A detailed chronology charting benchmarks in African American education from 1619–2000Discussions of relevant constitutional amendments, laws, and court decisions

A state-of-the-art compendium of resource materials and current practice that answers two basic questions: "What is literacy?" and "How do individuals become literate?"Not long ago, literacy simply meant knowing how to read and write. Today, the study of literacy is a complex field encompassing many different areas, from computer literacy to geographic literacy, and including several degrees of competence such as functional, pragmatic, and cultured. In addition there are six kinds of readers: the submissive, the active, the semiotic, the subjective, the psychoanalytic, and the interpretive community reader, and at least two distinct ways of reading: aesthetic reading and rational reading.In this comprehensive, accessible volume, two literacy experts not only help readers understand the latest theories and the heated controversies in this exciting field, they also show readers how this vast new knowledge is being applied in successful literacy programs.Detailed discussion of reader response theory and the different types of readersContact information for a variety of literacy organizations along with a list of websites offering lesson plans, teaching resources, and literacy research

An authoritative reference on one of education's hottest topics, describing how the latest testing and assessment tools can be used to help improve student performance.In this comprehensive review of the wealth of techniques by which students can be assessed, Valerie J. Janesick points out that the politics of schooling often gets in the way of student progress. "High-stakes" standardized testing is frequently based on poorly constructed, unfair tests that encourage "teaching to the test," which actually impedes educational goals.Authentic testing relies more on essays and writing samples, performances, demonstrations, and role-plays. Although it is fairer and provides a measure of student growth and progress, it requires more effort by teachers, who also require extra training. Besides discussing authentic assessment in detail, The Assessment Debate includes a chronology, an annotated directory of organizations supporting performance assessment, a list of state coordinators for testing reform, and state-by-state report cards.A historical chronology from pioneering efforts in the testing movement in the 1880s through the drive toward standardized testing in 2001A comprehensive annotated bibliography on assessment, including print resources, videotapes, websites, and organizations supporting performance assessment

Explore this controversial approach to education, its practical applications, successes, and failures in a straightforward guide that covers every facet of the issue, from for-profit schools to outsourcing of school management to vouchers.The book covers everything from school vouchers to little-known market-based educational reforms like for-profit management of public schools, commercialism in the classroom, philanthropic tuition sponsorships, faith-based charities, educational tax credits, corporate curriculum, and advertising as well as exclusive agreements between companies and schools. It includes case studies of two well-established voucher systems: the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program and the private national voucher policy in Chile, a program started in l973. The book also includes a chronology, directories, bibliographies, and other reference content.Coverage of private curriculum efforts, outsourcing, the role of teacher unions, and the emergence of for-profit schoolsProvides a directory of organizations, associations, and government agencies involved with private choice, vouchers, and market-based educational reforms

An objective discussion of educational leadership from both inside and outside the school system, focusing on ethical issues, dominant models, and today's unprecedented commitment to community involvement.During the last decade of the 20th century, the United States entered a new era of educational leadership. The seat of educational authority shifted from the district office to the individual school, from the principal-as-manager to the stakeholders: students, teachers, families, community members, school boards, politicians, and corporate and philanthropic foundations.In Educational Leadership, educator Pat Williams-Boyd traces these changes from their roots in the 19th century to the present day. She shows readers what leadership looks like when it is distributed throughout a community and explains how collaborative relationships can be forged. She also examines techniques for effective leadership during the hazardous process of school reform and presents a critical discussion of 20 leading school reform models.

A critical and thought-provoking examination of the teaching profession, from academic preparation and training to opportunities for professional advancement.Even if math teachers had degrees in mathematics and more physics teachers majored or minored in physics, how would that address behavioral problems, emotionally disturbed children, apathetic parents, and decaying school buildings? How would requiring teachers to have degrees in their content areas attract better-qualified teachers? In what ways would such degrees make teachers better qualified and suited for classrooms?In this volume, education professor Dave Pushkin, a former high school and community college chemistry and physics teacher, probes beneath the surface of easy answers to determine what the problem with education really is. Tired of being stressed out and burned out doing things he was never trained to do, he examines everything from student teaching and certification to hiring and teaching outside one's own field.Provides a chronology of the evolution of teacher education covering the 1700s to the 1990s and beyondIncludes a directory of recommended professional organizations, associations, and government agencies including all state departments of education

A comprehensive look at urban schools, using history as a lens for coming to grips with present-day social, political, legal, and economic realities reflected in our urban education system.Urban Education encompasses the historical perspectives from the late 19th century to the present on urban schooling. It examines the social and political context of schools and the impact of court decisions on education in our urban schools. The book provides insightful analyses of teaching, curriculum, and assessment issues including curriculum differentiation between most suburban and urban school districts that contribute to the widespread achievement between these schools.Provides a chronology of urban schools from the Industrial Age to the 21st centuryIncludes a glossary that defines terms used in the text

This authoritative volume puts the schooling of Native American children in the broader context of the country's educational agenda and demonstrates how Native American learning continues to be a challenge to minority education in the United States.This fascinating overview provides a comprehensive introduction to the education of Native Americans in the United States. Historically, schools were seen as essential to formal education but also as the custodians of community values, a way to socialize Native Americans into the European way of life.Native American Education: A Reference Handbook describes the role played by various churches and missionaries and their different approaches to education against a backdrop of mostly unfamiliar social and legal history. For example, most Americans probably do not know that Indians helped write the Constitution and that an Indian served as vice president of the United States. Author Lorraine Hale provides strategies for preserving Indian culture within the framework of modern American education.Presents a historical background on the evolution of Native American education from the advancing colonization of North America beginning in the 1700s to the increasing government involvement in running Native American schools through the 1900sIncludes coverage from the efforts of the Jesuits beginning in 1492 to teach Native Americans in Spanish and convert them to Catholicism to the publication in 1991 of Indian Nations at Risk by the Department of Education

An examination of the growth and development of alternative schools in American society and their role in the public school environment.In Alternative Schools: A Reference Handbook, educator Brenda Edgerton Conley surveys the emerging alternatives to our conventional educational system—a system that is not only costly, but ineffective for many children.In a resource aimed at a broad audience—school administrators, politicians, and, most important, parents—Conley offers both a historical and a present-day perspective on alternative educational programs. What sets the alternative education movement apart, she argues, is its acknowledgment that we all learn differently. That knowledge has given rise to an explosion of exciting alternatives—from open schools to home schooling, from charter schools to church schools. These alternative schools are smaller and less bureaucratic, more responsive to the community, and more receptive to change.Describes the latest learning options, from blue-ribbon schools to virtual schoolsOffers a detailed blueprint for organizing and administering alternative schools

The only overview of research on the uniquely American community college system, which is increasingly becoming the site of entry for students seeking a higher education.This new volume shows why America's community colleges increasingly find themselves at the epicenter of social conflict, surrounded by unresolved questions such as: In a country based on the notion of equal opportunity, shouldn't all high school graduates have access to higher education? Are access and excellence really compatible? What is the real work of community colleges? Is it to provide transfer programs for students going on to baccalaureate colleges or training workers for careers in business and industry?In this comprehensive guide, readers will find not only a solid grounding in the latest research on these difficult questions but also a thoughtful analysis of the social forces that gave rise to American community colleges and still shape them today.Five narrative chapters address the history, evolution, and current issues facing community collegesThree additional chapters include a chronology; a listing of organizations, associations, and agencies; and an annotated listing of print and nonprint resources

An authoritative reference that discusses the history of sex education and its ramifications in the United States.Community and school officials, parents, and educators often stay to the wee hours of the night at PTA meetings arguing about sex education and sexual behavior among young people. While some groups preach abstinence and attempt to sign as many youngsters as possible to their rosters, it remains a fact that 50 percent of U.S. teenagers, beginning at age 15, are sexually active.Sex, Youth, and Sex Education is a wonderfully crafted resource that gives not only a statistical overview of sexual activity in schools, but also examines sex education, the scourge of sexual violence in schools, and sexuality among selected groups of youngsters. What emerges is a groundbreaking work for educators and students of sociology, psychology, and education. This work brings to light the fascinating—not to mention ubiquitous—world of sexuality among today's youth and its impact on parents, school personnel, policymakers, and society.Definitions of and statistics on sexual activity among children and adolescentscomprehensive directory of organizations as well as print and nonprint resources

The only handbook of its kind to bring together materials from a wide range of authoritative works, providing the reader with a comprehensive overview of reform in American education.Crafted in ten skillfully written chapters, Educational Reform covers the history, politics, and processes of educational reform and addresses reforms in curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Starting with a definition of educational reform and where its far-reaching results can lead, the work goes on to assess the role of the public in educational reform, the educational reform industry, and resistance to reform.Of interest to school boards and administrators and useful in graduate and undergraduate courses in education, it is written in a conversational tone that brings the subject out of the realm of dry analysis. Readers will benefit not only from the numerous case studies that intersperse the themes discussed, but also from the extensive bibliography of print and nonprint resources (including websites) listed for further study. There is little doubt that the classroom must change to meet the needs of the 21st century—read Educational Reform to learn just how.

A thorough overview of elementary education in the United States, spanning its history, foundations, curriculum models, technology, assessment, and special programs.Elementary Education: A Reference Handbook takes readers on an all-inclusive journey through the history and current status of elementary education in America. The handbook first examines the historical, philosophical, social, and cultural foundations of elementary education. It then delves into the fascinating topic of how children learn, including racial identity formation, culturally differing cognitive thinking styles, and language developments.A critical investigation of issues relating to the curriculum reveals its purpose, types, and models, weighing the impact of technology and providing a historical review of key subjects, from language arts to physical education. Are the results of standardized testing and high-stakes testing realistic and fair? This handbook explores these and other key questions in a detailed discussion of assessment and evaluation methods.Covers foundations, key events, contributors to elementary education, theories of learning, curriculum models, instructional practices, best practices, school reform, trends, and issues in elementary educationProvides a chronology of elementary and public education from Plessy v. Ferguson through the No Child Left Behind Act

A broad survey of secondary schools, their historical origins, and present-day goals, intentions, and practices in educating adolescents.Secondary Schools: A Reference Handbook charts the planning, designing, and administration of the various types of secondary schools in the U.S. and their goals. It maps the historical foundation of the school system, examines important social and cultural movements in education, analyzes legislation and policy issues, looks at standardization, and discusses reform.Always keeping the needs of students in close focus, this book examines public and private institutions, vocational curricula, schools within schools, as well as target audiences for specific institutions, educational standards, accessibility, admission policies, student assistance, and other important subjects.Chronology focuses on the historical foundations of the contemporary conceptualizations of secondary educationBibliography includes legislation and policy that pertain to the construction and improvement of secondary schools

A highly readable overview of the rich past of historically black colleges and universities, and how their role in higher education is evolving for the future.Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have influenced African American lives and communities since 1837. Historically Black Colleges and Universities provides a past and present look at their role in higher education.This volume addresses why these institutions exist, how effective they've been, and if today's 103 HBCUs are still necessary. Special attention is given to the years since 1954 and to desegregation cases such as Brown v. Board of Education, United States v. Fordice, and other judicial decisions. The volume highlights government relations, leadership, and philanthropy as they apply to HBCUs. Also, a chapter provides a case study of the Historically Minority Universities Bioscience and Biotechnology Program Initiative, and a final chapter suggests research agendas for the 21st century.Six narrative chapters covering the history, purpose, and legacy of these institutions and how they relate to the government and the international communityDirectory of national organizations, associations, and federal agencies associated with and proponents of historically black colleges and universities

Curriculum Trends is an authoritative exploration of curriculum history in America and the theory and foundations currently influencing school practices for pre-K through 12th grade.Curriculum Trends: A Reference Handbook presents the most expansive, up-to-date survey of curriculum development in the United States, ranging from its history and the origins of the cry for higher standards, to societal influences on schools and the legal challenges they face today.Supported by examples illustrating both successful and failed school reforms, critical developments of the past 25 years and their impacts—including the rise of charter schools, home schooling, the standards movement, high-stakes testing, and authentic assessment—are carefully analyzed. The first work to examine ethical concerns with multicultural and multilingual students also addresses professionalism in teaching and teacher education.Includes a timeline from the 1890s to the present day of the key events that shaped America's schoolsIncludes up-to-date websites, list serves, and resources as well as a listing of professional organizations devoted to understanding curriculum studies

An expert guide to the development of the middle school model as the best educational environment designed to address students' developmental and social needs as well as educational needs.Middle Grades Education: A Reference Handbook explores the distinctive middle school approach to helping adolescents develop as human beings and citizens as well as students, with coverage that ranges from the conceptual foundations of the middle school model, to research-based best practices, to sample lesson plans and activities.Edited by Pat Williams-Boyd, with contributions from experienced, frontline educators, the book showcases a number of places where the ideal middle school has become reality, where individual talents are nurtured, families are involved, teachers serve as role models and advocates, and crucial health and developmental needs are met. Readers will experience classrooms where students dance their math, sing their science, and breathe the winds of history, and where the joy of learning is bounded only by the educator's imagination.Learning activities for all instructional strategies including differentiated instruction, inquiry-based and concept-based education, critical thinking and problem-solving strategies, the use of multiple intelligences, learning styles and cultural congruence, and cooperative learningPlanning guides and step-by-step presentations of academic service-learning, which connects the classroom to the community

A timely, unbiased look at the positive and negative effects of school-sponsored sports on the American education system.At a time when sports coverage inundates the airwaves, when coaches are routinely among the highest-paid school employees, and when professional sports recruiters are increasingly focusing on high school students, Sports and Education offers a balanced, thought-provoking look at a deep-cutting issue. Is it time for the United States to mirror a number of other industrialized countries and remove sports from educational settings, as many education and athletic professionals have suggested?Sports and Education challenges many long-held assumptions and examines all viewpoints surrounding this question. The result is a clear-eyed, research-supported look at both the positive and the negative impact of school-sponsored athletics on the participants, their nonparticipating classmates, parents, coaches, fans, educators, and school boards.A comprehensive introduction provides the framework for an in-depth presentation of the most frequently debated issues related to sport as an educational aspect of societyA chronology details the evolution of sport and education with topics such as the Olympic games, sport in formal educational settings, and when specific sports were established at the professional level

The first work of its kind to present a comprehensive survey of landmark court decisions on educational adequacy and equity claims and their impact on public school reform.In Educational Adequacy and the Courts: A Reference Handbook, education researcher Elaine Walker presents an in depth analysis of pivotal court cases and their impact on educational adequacy and reform, illuminating the inherent challenges of redressing long-standing problems associated with state funding mechanisms for K–12 education.In addition to an eye opening, state-by-state discussion of court rulings and their effect on education, Walker covers such topics as the moral imperative for educational reform, the failure and success of federal and state reform efforts, and the historical importance of school finance litigation in the reform of school systems in high poverty areas. The work also highlights alternative ways in which improvement can be approached and sheds light on the overall complexities of setting educational policy.Coverage of pivotal court decisions such as Abbott v. Burke, Rose v. Council of Education, and Alabama Coalition for Equity, Inc. v. HuntDirectory of organizations, associations, and agencies involved in educational adequacy issues and school reform