Education & Pedagogy

On October 23, 1996, members of the Congressional Black Caucus visited schools in several cities and spoke to students, to garner support for federal funding of education. The event was held in conjunction with the National Commission for African American Education, in response to recent proposals to eliminate the Education Department and reduce education funding. (MSE)

Development of Western Governors University, described by creators as a multistate, cyberspace, educational delivery system (virtual university) with a curriculum focusing on work-related skills and competencies, is chronicled; and issues addressed in planning are examined. The idea came from the Western Governors' Association during exploration of ways to improve student access to higher education through information technology. (MSE)

A survey of state directors of gifted education on teacher certification in gifted education revealed that 27 states have standards. Twenty-four states require certification, and three provide an option. Suggestions are offered for the establishment and/or upgrading of certification/endorsement in gifted education. A chart illustrates current gifted certification/endorsement requirements in each state. (Author/CR)

The National Commission on Teaching and America's Future concluded that reforming education hinges on restructuring the teaching profession. Major barriers include inadequate teacher education, slipshod recruitment, haphazard hiring and induction, inadequate professional development and recognition, and failure-prone schools. The commission recommends establishing higher standards for teacher education, recruitment, and development. (16 references) (MLH)

Interviewed staff from seven Scottish further education colleges describing themselves as "community colleges" and analyzed college mission statements and development plans. Examined the impact on the access and participation of educationally disadvantaged groups of colleges' deregulation and independent incorporation; subsequent underresourcing and marketing; and cooperation with community education agencies. Contains 22 references. (SV)

Examines questions of equal access with respect to enrollment patterns of minority students in institutions of higher education. Results from 13 states reveal that a "racially stratified" educational system persists, and that Blacks and Hispanics hold a disproportionate share in two-year institutions rather than in the four-year and research-intensive institutions. (GR)

Reprint of the 1966 article as a representative example of thinking about art education during the 1960s. Reiterates the need for aesthetic judgement in art education and discusses those characteristics and approaches that render a judgement valid. Maintains that justification or an aesthetic opinion should be descriptive rather than explanatory. (MJP)

An A-level General Studies candidate expresses frustration that questions in the administered examination have little relevance for environmental issues. Argues that the General Studies category is a good fit for environmental studies as students could better apply concerns about environmental issues through the broadening experiences afforded by General Studies. Urges General Studies examiners to recognize governmental commitment to environmental education. (PVD)

Reviews recent trends in early childhood teacher education in Zimbabwe in the context of overall teacher reform. Describes social tensions stemming from current system of early education and care, along with a survey of parents, teachers, and primary school headmasters. Discusses how diversity of meanings attached to early education poses challenges for stakeholders. (EV)

Describes a system of four separate but interdependent school-university consortia that have been developed as part of the special education department's reform and restructuring initiatives in a Florida university. The rationale for the consortia, barriers to their implementation, and their missions, activities, and governance structures are described. (Author/CR)

Reviews key aspects of a change process in a Florida university's special education department. Describes core beliefs and values that underpinned the change process, the development of collaborative research groups (CRGs), and how CRGs have created linkages with other academic units and the community. (Author/CR)

In 1989, Florida educational leaders responded to information-age challenges by initiating a four-year project to identify the requirements for measurably improving vocational education. The project eventually identified 38 field-validated pedagogical/instructional goals and 161 related learner competencies in four topical areas: planning and development, implementation and management, evaluation, and professional advancement. (26 references) (MLH)

Explores how schools, colleges, and departments of education might improve urban teachers' preparation by applying Martin Haberman's research on "star teachers" of poor children. Discusses Haberman's findings in relation to PRAXIS III teacher performance standards, reflects on the selection/training dichotomy, and advocates video case studies. (MLH)

Recognizes the benefits of mediation for easing special education conflicts, but addresses the inconsistencies and ambiguities created by the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Recommends that state and local education agencies use mediators certified in sophisticated mediation techniques, schooled in special-education law, and employed by independent organizations. (MLF)

Describes the Western Governors University and the California Virtual University as examples illustrating the complex issues of distance education at the public-policy level. Explores whether these initiatives are the product of the commercialization of education or the result of a reform that may lead to increased learner-centered education. (SLD)