Debating the Future of American Education

Debating the Future of American Education

Author: Diane Ravitch

Publisher: Brookings Institution Press

Published: 2010-12-01

Total Pages: 196

ISBN-13: 9780815713456

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

What is the outlook for educational reform in the United States? One of the most striking proposals has been to establish a system of national standards, which has raised many complex questions: Is it possible for the United States, with its history of extreme decentralization, to establish and enforce national standards for what students should know? Who will create these standards? What would be the role of the federal, state, and local governments? While the idea of national standards has been widely supported, many respected educators doubt their value from fear that such standards will institutionalize the lowest common denominator. Others cite the poor performance of U.S. students on international tests and insist that the U.S. will suffer because of this poor performance. The debate becomes even more intense when the question of assessment is posed. Is it possible to develop a national examination system tied to new standards? Should such tests be used to influence entry to colleges and jobs? Would the motivation of students to learn be increased if they knew that their performance would be reviewed by colleges and employers? Is it fair to set standards for students without setting standards for schools? To address these and other questions, this book, the result of a Brookings conference, brings together representatives of various viewpoints on the utility and equity of increasing the use of tests for students, teachers, and schools. The contributors are Chester Finn, Jr., the Edison Project; Daniel Koretz, RAND; Andrew Porter, Wisconsin Center for Education Research; Lauren Resnick, University of Pittsburgh; Roy Romer, Governor of Colorado; Albert Shanker, American Federation of Teachers; Theodore R. Sizer, Brown University; Marshall C. Smith, U.S. Department of Education; and Donald M. Stewart, The College Board. Brookings Dialogues on Public Policy


Book Synopsis Debating the Future of American Education by : Diane Ravitch

Download or read book Debating the Future of American Education written by Diane Ravitch and published by Brookings Institution Press. This book was released on 2010-12-01 with total page 196 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What is the outlook for educational reform in the United States? One of the most striking proposals has been to establish a system of national standards, which has raised many complex questions: Is it possible for the United States, with its history of extreme decentralization, to establish and enforce national standards for what students should know? Who will create these standards? What would be the role of the federal, state, and local governments? While the idea of national standards has been widely supported, many respected educators doubt their value from fear that such standards will institutionalize the lowest common denominator. Others cite the poor performance of U.S. students on international tests and insist that the U.S. will suffer because of this poor performance. The debate becomes even more intense when the question of assessment is posed. Is it possible to develop a national examination system tied to new standards? Should such tests be used to influence entry to colleges and jobs? Would the motivation of students to learn be increased if they knew that their performance would be reviewed by colleges and employers? Is it fair to set standards for students without setting standards for schools? To address these and other questions, this book, the result of a Brookings conference, brings together representatives of various viewpoints on the utility and equity of increasing the use of tests for students, teachers, and schools. The contributors are Chester Finn, Jr., the Edison Project; Daniel Koretz, RAND; Andrew Porter, Wisconsin Center for Education Research; Lauren Resnick, University of Pittsburgh; Roy Romer, Governor of Colorado; Albert Shanker, American Federation of Teachers; Theodore R. Sizer, Brown University; Marshall C. Smith, U.S. Department of Education; and Donald M. Stewart, The College Board. Brookings Dialogues on Public Policy

Finding Superman

Finding Superman

Author: Watson Scott Swail

Publisher: Teachers College Press

Published: 2015-04-17

Total Pages: 129

ISBN-13: 0807770949

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In Finding Superman, some of the most prominent educational thinkers of our time examine the pressing issues of educational equity and excellence brought to light in Davis Guggenheim's popular documentary, Waiting for Superman. The film's portrayal of urban public schools as uniform failures and charter schools as the only viable alternative for our nation's youth demands a closer look. Across the chapters of this important book, the contributors reveal the film's untold stories. These include the many public schools that are doing an excellent job of educating students, as well as the many charter schools that are doing no better than most public schools, despite their monetary advantages.


Book Synopsis Finding Superman by : Watson Scott Swail

Download or read book Finding Superman written by Watson Scott Swail and published by Teachers College Press. This book was released on 2015-04-17 with total page 129 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Finding Superman, some of the most prominent educational thinkers of our time examine the pressing issues of educational equity and excellence brought to light in Davis Guggenheim's popular documentary, Waiting for Superman. The film's portrayal of urban public schools as uniform failures and charter schools as the only viable alternative for our nation's youth demands a closer look. Across the chapters of this important book, the contributors reveal the film's untold stories. These include the many public schools that are doing an excellent job of educating students, as well as the many charter schools that are doing no better than most public schools, despite their monetary advantages.

The Future of American Higher Education

The Future of American Higher Education

Author: Joseph L. DeVitis

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2023-07-03

Total Pages: 181

ISBN-13: 1000971260

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"This impressive anthology presents the reader with an introduction to a gallery of public intellectuals through the critical eyes of a wide array of contributing writers from various academic fields. Both the latter and the public intellectuals themselves are responding to the state of American higher education. Importantly, most of them (there are a few public intellectuals in the book who cling closer to the status quo) do not separate colleges and universities from the political, economic, and social currents of American society. They attack the realities of growing social inequality, the intractable presence of institutional racism, and the recurrent reliance on the free market as the arbiter of value. Public intellectuals assess the impact of these social factors on the organization and practices of contemporary American higher education. They force the reader to consider serious challenges to the current arrangement of higher learning and, as such, they ask us to assess the efficacy of their respective perspectives. Do they present the reader with insight or idealism, pathways or dead ends? This compendium provides an abundance of ideas for higher education leaders, policy makers, faculty members, trustees and governmental officials as well as social theorists and graduate students interested in higher education careers."—Richard Guarasci, President Emeritus of Wagner CollegeJust as our society is polarized, higher education is no less divided as to its mission and purpose, whether it should be preparing students for employment or for engagement as citizens, whether it should be corporatist and profit-driven or promote intellectual curiosity and independent thinking, and whether it should pursue a neoliberal agenda or promote a liberal education. Whose scholarship, culture and epistemologies should be validated? Should it be a private or a public good? Preserve tenure or erode it? What role should colleges and universities play in addressing economic inequality and systemic racism? The answers to these questions are critical for the future of our society as our universities and colleges are the nurseries of the values and philosophies that shape it.The chapters in this book review the contributions of seventeen public intellectuals who have been at the forefront of these issues and significantly contributed to these debates. Each describes the genesis of each scholar’s ideas and presents and critiques his or her core insights and arguments. The seventeen public intellectuals represent a spectrum of opinion, from the conservative to the progressive.At this pivotal moment when much of higher education is in economic crisis, and public trust in it has been eroded, this book offers a robust entry point for considering the options and directions ahead for anyone in a leadership position. The book will also be valuable for higher education courses to stimulate debate about these critical issues and introduce readers to the seminal thinkers in the field.Public Intellectuals PresentedStanley AronowitzMichael BérubéMarc BousquetPatricia Hill CollinsLori Patton DavisWilliam DeresiewiczStanley Fish Marybeth GasmanHenry GirouxSara Goldrick-RabbAmy GutmannRussell JacobyRandall KennedyDavid KirpDavid F. LabareeChristopher NewfieldMichael Roth


Book Synopsis The Future of American Higher Education by : Joseph L. DeVitis

Download or read book The Future of American Higher Education written by Joseph L. DeVitis and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2023-07-03 with total page 181 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This impressive anthology presents the reader with an introduction to a gallery of public intellectuals through the critical eyes of a wide array of contributing writers from various academic fields. Both the latter and the public intellectuals themselves are responding to the state of American higher education. Importantly, most of them (there are a few public intellectuals in the book who cling closer to the status quo) do not separate colleges and universities from the political, economic, and social currents of American society. They attack the realities of growing social inequality, the intractable presence of institutional racism, and the recurrent reliance on the free market as the arbiter of value. Public intellectuals assess the impact of these social factors on the organization and practices of contemporary American higher education. They force the reader to consider serious challenges to the current arrangement of higher learning and, as such, they ask us to assess the efficacy of their respective perspectives. Do they present the reader with insight or idealism, pathways or dead ends? This compendium provides an abundance of ideas for higher education leaders, policy makers, faculty members, trustees and governmental officials as well as social theorists and graduate students interested in higher education careers."—Richard Guarasci, President Emeritus of Wagner CollegeJust as our society is polarized, higher education is no less divided as to its mission and purpose, whether it should be preparing students for employment or for engagement as citizens, whether it should be corporatist and profit-driven or promote intellectual curiosity and independent thinking, and whether it should pursue a neoliberal agenda or promote a liberal education. Whose scholarship, culture and epistemologies should be validated? Should it be a private or a public good? Preserve tenure or erode it? What role should colleges and universities play in addressing economic inequality and systemic racism? The answers to these questions are critical for the future of our society as our universities and colleges are the nurseries of the values and philosophies that shape it.The chapters in this book review the contributions of seventeen public intellectuals who have been at the forefront of these issues and significantly contributed to these debates. Each describes the genesis of each scholar’s ideas and presents and critiques his or her core insights and arguments. The seventeen public intellectuals represent a spectrum of opinion, from the conservative to the progressive.At this pivotal moment when much of higher education is in economic crisis, and public trust in it has been eroded, this book offers a robust entry point for considering the options and directions ahead for anyone in a leadership position. The book will also be valuable for higher education courses to stimulate debate about these critical issues and introduce readers to the seminal thinkers in the field.Public Intellectuals PresentedStanley AronowitzMichael BérubéMarc BousquetPatricia Hill CollinsLori Patton DavisWilliam DeresiewiczStanley Fish Marybeth GasmanHenry GirouxSara Goldrick-RabbAmy GutmannRussell JacobyRandall KennedyDavid KirpDavid F. LabareeChristopher NewfieldMichael Roth

The Future of American Higher Education

The Future of American Higher Education

Author: Joseph L. DeVitis

Publisher:

Published: 2021

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781003447818

DOWNLOAD EBOOK


Book Synopsis The Future of American Higher Education by : Joseph L. DeVitis

Download or read book The Future of American Higher Education written by Joseph L. DeVitis and published by . This book was released on 2021 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

The Three Waves of Reform in the World of Education 1918 – 2018

The Three Waves of Reform in the World of Education 1918 – 2018

Author: Ami Volansky

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023-01-01

Total Pages: 488

ISBN-13: 9811957711

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book reviews one hundred years of educational reforms worldwide. Characterized by a tension between governing public and professional forces, the waves of educational reform reflect myriad efforts to define and fulfill professional and public expectations for the world of education. The first wave of reform, based on “progressive” ideals, spread across the globe after World War I, striving to place the student at the center of the education process and respond to the diverse needs of children and youth in a world that included massive population shifts. The second wave nearly obliterated the ideals of the progressive movement that had prevailed for sixty years. Drawing its principles from the business world, the second wave imposed competition, uniform standards, and measurable outputs on students, teachers, and schools, even at the cost of harming at-risk populations and encouraging the infiltration of private sector values into public education systems.The third wave was launched at the turn of the twenty-first century. Seeking to adjust instructional methods to modern reality, this reform rejected standardized curricula in favor of developing skills such as independent thinking, curiosity, innovation, collaboration among learners, and the ability to mine and process information. Book I reviews the three waves of reform in the United States, England, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and Finland. Book II focuses on Israel’s education system — past, present, and future.


Book Synopsis The Three Waves of Reform in the World of Education 1918 – 2018 by : Ami Volansky

Download or read book The Three Waves of Reform in the World of Education 1918 – 2018 written by Ami Volansky and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2023-01-01 with total page 488 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book reviews one hundred years of educational reforms worldwide. Characterized by a tension between governing public and professional forces, the waves of educational reform reflect myriad efforts to define and fulfill professional and public expectations for the world of education. The first wave of reform, based on “progressive” ideals, spread across the globe after World War I, striving to place the student at the center of the education process and respond to the diverse needs of children and youth in a world that included massive population shifts. The second wave nearly obliterated the ideals of the progressive movement that had prevailed for sixty years. Drawing its principles from the business world, the second wave imposed competition, uniform standards, and measurable outputs on students, teachers, and schools, even at the cost of harming at-risk populations and encouraging the infiltration of private sector values into public education systems.The third wave was launched at the turn of the twenty-first century. Seeking to adjust instructional methods to modern reality, this reform rejected standardized curricula in favor of developing skills such as independent thinking, curiosity, innovation, collaboration among learners, and the ability to mine and process information. Book I reviews the three waves of reform in the United States, England, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and Finland. Book II focuses on Israel’s education system — past, present, and future.

Moderating the Debate

Moderating the Debate

Author: Michael J. Feuer

Publisher: Harvard Education Press

Published: 2006-01-01

Total Pages: 152

ISBN-13: 1612500072

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Moderating the Debate is a major statement on education research, policy, and reform that will be required reading for everyone with a stake in improving America's schools. This eloquent book examines the complex—and often problematic—relations between education research, policy, and practice, and proposes ways to improve those relationships in the interest of meaningful education reform. Based on the Burton and Inglis Lectures, which Michael Feuer delivered at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2004 and 2005, the book begins with an examination of how recent developments in cognitive science have fundamentally changed the way we understand human decisionmaking and rational judgment. It then proceeds to a consideration of how the lessons of cognitive science might inform a more rational—and reasonable—approach to education research, policy, and reform. Moving deftly and with great insight through the worlds of education research and policymaking, Feuer offers practical solutions to the impasses and disconnections that have chronically thwarted workable, sustained education reform.


Book Synopsis Moderating the Debate by : Michael J. Feuer

Download or read book Moderating the Debate written by Michael J. Feuer and published by Harvard Education Press. This book was released on 2006-01-01 with total page 152 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Moderating the Debate is a major statement on education research, policy, and reform that will be required reading for everyone with a stake in improving America's schools. This eloquent book examines the complex—and often problematic—relations between education research, policy, and practice, and proposes ways to improve those relationships in the interest of meaningful education reform. Based on the Burton and Inglis Lectures, which Michael Feuer delivered at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2004 and 2005, the book begins with an examination of how recent developments in cognitive science have fundamentally changed the way we understand human decisionmaking and rational judgment. It then proceeds to a consideration of how the lessons of cognitive science might inform a more rational—and reasonable—approach to education research, policy, and reform. Moving deftly and with great insight through the worlds of education research and policymaking, Feuer offers practical solutions to the impasses and disconnections that have chronically thwarted workable, sustained education reform.

Education and the American Dream

Education and the American Dream

Author: Harvey Holtz

Publisher: Praeger

Published: 1989

Total Pages: 264

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Conservatives, liberals, and radicals alike see education as a pivotal forum for the struggle over the fulfillment of American Dreams. Eleanor Smeal, Phyllis Schlafly, Russell Kirk, and Henry Giroux, among others, vie for acceptance of their theories on major issues in American education. The essays, which are by well-known authors, are written with clarity, honesty, and authority. . . . The book will make an excellent supplementary text for graduate or upper-division undergraduate courses in the social foundations of education. Choice Conservatives, liberals, and radicals alike see education as a pivotal forum for the struggle over the fulfillment of American Dreams. Eleanor Smeal, Phyllis Schlafly, Russell Kirk, and Henry Giroux, among others, representing contrasting points of view, vie for acceptance of their theories on the major issues in American education: religion in public schools; computers in the classroom; sex education; the proper role of teachers (technician, professional, or intellectual); vocationalism versus critical education. This rare opportunity to examine the divisions, and the surprising overlaps, between the perspectives of this country's policy makers and idea formulators brings a major and important perspective to the current educational debate and the future of education, for scholars and students alike.


Book Synopsis Education and the American Dream by : Harvey Holtz

Download or read book Education and the American Dream written by Harvey Holtz and published by Praeger. This book was released on 1989 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Conservatives, liberals, and radicals alike see education as a pivotal forum for the struggle over the fulfillment of American Dreams. Eleanor Smeal, Phyllis Schlafly, Russell Kirk, and Henry Giroux, among others, vie for acceptance of their theories on major issues in American education. The essays, which are by well-known authors, are written with clarity, honesty, and authority. . . . The book will make an excellent supplementary text for graduate or upper-division undergraduate courses in the social foundations of education. Choice Conservatives, liberals, and radicals alike see education as a pivotal forum for the struggle over the fulfillment of American Dreams. Eleanor Smeal, Phyllis Schlafly, Russell Kirk, and Henry Giroux, among others, representing contrasting points of view, vie for acceptance of their theories on the major issues in American education: religion in public schools; computers in the classroom; sex education; the proper role of teachers (technician, professional, or intellectual); vocationalism versus critical education. This rare opportunity to examine the divisions, and the surprising overlaps, between the perspectives of this country's policy makers and idea formulators brings a major and important perspective to the current educational debate and the future of education, for scholars and students alike.

The End of Education

The End of Education

Author: Neil Postman

Publisher: Vintage

Published: 2011-06-01

Total Pages: 225

ISBN-13: 0307797201

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In this comprehensive response to the education crisis, the author of Teaching as a Subversive Activity returns to the subject that established his reputation as one of our most insightful social critics. Postman presents useful models with which schools can restore a sense of purpose, tolerance, and a respect for learning.


Book Synopsis The End of Education by : Neil Postman

Download or read book The End of Education written by Neil Postman and published by Vintage. This book was released on 2011-06-01 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this comprehensive response to the education crisis, the author of Teaching as a Subversive Activity returns to the subject that established his reputation as one of our most insightful social critics. Postman presents useful models with which schools can restore a sense of purpose, tolerance, and a respect for learning.

The Great School Debate

The Great School Debate

Author: Beatrice Gross

Publisher: New York : Simon & Schuster

Published: 1985

Total Pages: 554

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The editors of "Radical School Reform" offers a timely overview of the status of and controversies, issues, and trends in American educational systems.


Book Synopsis The Great School Debate by : Beatrice Gross

Download or read book The Great School Debate written by Beatrice Gross and published by New York : Simon & Schuster. This book was released on 1985 with total page 554 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The editors of "Radical School Reform" offers a timely overview of the status of and controversies, issues, and trends in American educational systems.

Transforming Schools

Transforming Schools

Author: Peter W. Jr. Cookson

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2014-04-23

Total Pages: 630

ISBN-13: 1135544255

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Government policies at the state, local, and federal levels have always shaped the daily lives of U.S. schools. Issues of equity and access dominate, and the newer issue of global competition is also important. This volume of essays by noted theorists and practitioners considers current educational policy issues. Topics and contributors include: Achievement and Mobility-Aaron Pallas; Tracking-Maureen Hallinan; Dropouts-Gary Natriello; Governing the Big-City School System-Kenneth Wong; International and Comparative Analysis-Rolland Paulston; Politics of a National Curriculum-Michael Apple; School Leadership-James Cibulka; Parental and Community Involvement-Mary Driscoll; Advocacy-Judith Cohen; Reform and Policy-Kathy Borman, et al. An index is provided.


Book Synopsis Transforming Schools by : Peter W. Jr. Cookson

Download or read book Transforming Schools written by Peter W. Jr. Cookson and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2014-04-23 with total page 630 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Government policies at the state, local, and federal levels have always shaped the daily lives of U.S. schools. Issues of equity and access dominate, and the newer issue of global competition is also important. This volume of essays by noted theorists and practitioners considers current educational policy issues. Topics and contributors include: Achievement and Mobility-Aaron Pallas; Tracking-Maureen Hallinan; Dropouts-Gary Natriello; Governing the Big-City School System-Kenneth Wong; International and Comparative Analysis-Rolland Paulston; Politics of a National Curriculum-Michael Apple; School Leadership-James Cibulka; Parental and Community Involvement-Mary Driscoll; Advocacy-Judith Cohen; Reform and Policy-Kathy Borman, et al. An index is provided.