Education & Pedagogy

This introductory article describes key factors in teacher preparation and continuing professional development and efforts promulgated by the Council for Exceptional Children on special educator standards and assessments. The need to align standards for state licensing, program accreditation, and national certification is emphasized. The following articles are summarized. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Service learning in civic education combines in-school learning and out-of-school work to enhance democratic education and assist the community. This paper examines the evolution of service learning through several decades of scholarship in the genre of civic education, citing examples of past notable projects that have linked academic study with the community. (SM)

This directory provides listings of institutions that offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs in health education. Programs are listed by state and use the following frame: name of institution, city, ZIP code, program code (type of program), head of health education program, title, address, telephone and fax number, e-mail number, and degree area awarded. (SM)

Examines three arguments supporting music education in the schools: (1) music education is vital to individual development; (2) musical experience involves a special kind of knowledge; and (3) the richness of musical experience justifies itself. Posits the the third argument as the strongest for building a supportive consensus. (MJP)

Describes the effects of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on Canadian education. As Canada is merging more and more into a new borderless North American economy, Canada is adopting American-style individualism, entrepreneurialism, and undergoing corporate interest in its schools. Negative implications for Canadian education include paying royalties to private international education-service companies outside Canada. (AIM)

Examined parent education practices used in family literacy programs, focusing on parent education in Washington's Even Start program. Found few rural/urban differences in program content, probably due to the state mandate for programs. Most participants were white female single heads of households on public assistance. Commonly used instructional methods included staff presentations and academic assignments. (Author/KB)

Five alternatives to traditional field experiences in special education are described and contrasted, including: infusion of experiences within content courses; traditional experiences offered during the summer session; working practica; roving practica; and specialized field-experiences. It is argued that these alternatives can provide appropriate field experiences for many nontraditional students. (Author/CR)

Believes that Emile Jaques-Dalcroze is not the only person who has affected movement-based instruction. Highlights the history of movement-based instruction in elementary music education by addressing the influence of Isadora Duncan and modern dance, the efforts of Francois Delsarte and Rudolph von Laban, and the role of remedial perceptual-motor training. (CMK)

Argues that there should be a broader definition of the history of music education by challenging the traditional focus of music education history. Believes that there are four alternative perspectives to the canon in music education: (1) African-Americans; (2) the female experience; (3) African-American women; and (4) music in oral traditions. (CMK)

Presents three accountability relationships for assessing the appropriateness of using distance education in the Certified Public Manager (CPM) program educational accountability, financial accountability, and organizational accountability. Identifies factors inhibiting investment in distance education, including the necessity for a major modal format change and the inability of CPM programs to compete successfully for scarce governmental resources. (DB)

Discusses how the outgrowth of the praxial philosophy in music education is misunderstood and has led to a lack of informed dialogue on the differences between praxis and philosophical bases for music education. Presents an interpretation of Aristotle's idea of praxis and considers praxis in terms of implications for music education. (CMK)

The public looks to schools to address prejudice and discrimination. Several models of and approaches to multicultural education are described. Racism is not eradicated by preaching tolerance or by providing information that contradicts stereotypes. Racism is best overcome through a political education that explains the social and political conditions that produce it. (TD)

Educational programs that teach agricultural practices, health care, or technology in developing nations can be complemented by adventure education. Adventure education can foster the social skills that enable people to cooperate, take initiative, and solve problems, and thereby contribute to their country's development. Arguments against the inclusion of adventure education in developing countries are examined and rebutted. (TD)

Questions the philosophy of past and present humanistic notions of agency, which frame practice in teacher education and development programs. Looks back over the past 10 years or so at primary and early childhood teacher education and some initiatives and eventual competent implementation of innovative teaching approaches. (Contains 21 references.) (Author/ASK)

Since January 1998, when six former Metro Toronto (Ontario) school boards were consolidated into one board, Toronto's outdoor education centers have experienced restructuring, work stoppages, strikes, relocation, and threats of closure. Outdoor education advocates must form a new united group, preferably from the bottom up, to lobby for adequate funding and to lead outdoor education forward. (TD)