Education & Pedagogy

A federal statute provided that parents may use the judicial process to challenge educators' decisions. Describes the intent of legalization; how reaction to an adversarial system led to the use of mediation in most states; and why this alternative model is not appropriate for resolving education questions. (MLF)

Findings are reported from a large-scale study examining beliefs (expectations, priorities, values) of teachers, students, and parents regarding desirable schooling and teaching in Brazil. Subjects included 1,073 students (grades one, four, eight), 450 instructional staff, and 939 parents. (IAH)

Describes student-directed class model at Hampshire College, Massachusetts. Describes students' role as planning syllabus, regulating commitment, facilitating sessions, and evaluating course. Describes teacher's role as balancing intervention with non-involvement. Recommends model as way of integrating experiential learning into mainstream education. (TES)

Presents a categorization of distance education methodologies in the form of a taxonomy that compares correspondence study-based distance education approaches with telecommunications-based approaches. Interaction between teachers and students and between students themselves in the distance learning process is highlighted, and a new definition of distance education is suggested. (27 references) (LRW)

Statement of American Council on Rural Special Education's Early Childhood Special Education Task Force on rural implementation of federal Titles I and II. Emphasizes need for state planning, professional representation of children, and parent involvement in special education decisions. Discusses family role, service delivery, and teacher training. (TES)

Evaluation results are reported for a gifted education consortium, involving seven rural school districts and Purdue University's Gifted Education Resource Institute. Positive change occurred in teachers and other school personnel in knowledge level and attitudes toward gifted education. High satisfaction with goal achievement was indicated by school and university personnel. (Author/JDD)

A survey of 372 members of the Council for Exceptional Children's Teacher Education Division found that, demographically, the sample was very similar to teachers surveyed in 1982. Gender discrepancies continue to exist in professorial rank, tenure, and salaries. Salaries of teacher educators seem extremely low given their education, experience, and age. (JDD)

The implementation of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act is likely to differ across state and localities, depending on history, previous support for vocational education, organizational patterns, size, and available resources. This paper discusses variables affecting implementation of the Perkins Act in Pennsylvania. Includes five references. (MLH)

In Ohio, 105 of 121 vocational special education coordinators responded to a survey of the perceived importance and level of performance of 41 tasks related to 11 state guidelines for coordinators. Implementation barriers such as lack of time, communication, team approach, understanding of special education, and administrative support were identified. (SK)

The guest editor of the special series on "Equity-Based Education" summarizes the articles in Parts One and Two, appearing in this and the previous issue. The purpose of the series is to promote fuller discussion and encourage the adoption of more effective ways of achieving equity in education. (AF)

Improving public school education, especially for the poor, requires defining and articulating some vision of the common good. This article reviews key positions taken by liberals and conservatives regarding educational reform during the 19th and 20th centuries and critiques these positions with regard to their disservice to the poor. (IAH)

Reconceptualizing physical education shifts emphasis from sports-centered programs to health-related fitness. Four program suggestions are discussed for improving long-term physical activity patterns of youth. Also discussed are two programs in transition being implemented by school districts in Georgia and Wyoming. (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. (IAH)

Results of a comparative case study of four states (Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Texas) revealed the existence of identifiable sociopolitical systems (policy domains), at the state level, for determining teacher education standards. State systems for the governance of teacher education are described with regard to participants and how change occurs. (IAH)

Describes the National Sea Grant Program and eight types of education programs. Examines funding patterns from 1976 through 1987. Assesses current status of education within the Program using a director's survey. Discusses some implications for science educators. Provides the conceptual scheme for aquatic studies and a directory of the programs. (YP)