Political and Social Issues in Education
Education issues - major political issues and controversial social issues in education. As our societies become more technological, the demands for a well-educated populace increase. Improvements and reforms must be made in education. Children of the past may have needed to learn only the three R's to be able to make their own ways, but today's children cannot acquire the necessary skills to survive in a modern, technological world, without a more advanced education. The political and social issues surrounding education and educational reform sometimes make it difficult to perceive a clear path for our children's future. To discover what is being done, and what is being said about it, examine the links below.
Education Policy Institute: Charlene Haar: Teacher Unions: Enemies of Reform
This article faces the survival interest of teacher unions in keeping everyone in the dark about school problems and the possibility of reforms.
Education Week: Chester E. Finn, Jr.: Real Teacher Crisis
This article claims that there are plenty of teachers, but few are qualified to teach because they’ve been forced to study method, not knowledge.
National Public Radio: All Things Considered: Cheryl Corley: The Chicago, Illinois Public Schools Reform Guide
Audio report on groups of parents and community leaders which have turned Chicago's school system from one of the worst to one of the best.
National Public Radio: All Things Considered: Claudio Sanchez: State of Education
Audio report on the crisis of public schools in the United States, and the challenge faced by the largely poor Philadelphia public school system.
National Public Radio: All Things Considered: Larry Abramson: State of Education II
Audio report on the crisis of public education in the United States, and the locally-funded public school system in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.
National Public Radio: Talk of the Nation: Ray Suarez: Education Crisis: Is It a Myth?
NPR's 'Talk of the Nation' considers whether criticism of the public education system in the U.S. is unwarranted and politically exaggerated
National Public Radio: Talk of the Nation: Ray Suarez: First Time Teachers
RealAudio recording of a roundtable discussion, on NPR's 'Talk of the Nation' (August 29, 1995), with three first-time public school teachers.
National Public Radio: Talk of the Nation: Ray Suarez: Fraternities and Sororities
Audio report from NPR's 'Talk of the Nation' (May 11, 1998) on the sorority/fraternity system ("the Greek system")on college campuses.
National Public Radio: Talk of the Nation: Ray Suarez: Problem with Education
NPR's 'Talk of the Nation' (Nov. 21, 1995) examines the growing self-esteem movement in American education, featuring Charles Sykes.
National Public Radio: Talk of the Nation: Ray Suarez: Why Can't Teachers Be Fired?
An audio discussion about tenure among K-12 teachers, especially in light of current pressure on school principals to improve their schools.
School Report: David W. Kirkpatrick
Browse through this online compendium of articles and writings regarding school choice. The site includes newsletters, articles, and books.
The Atlantic Monthly: Peter Schrag: Near Myth of Our Failing Schools
Peter Schrag focuses on the findings of an overlooked 1991 report which undermines much of the rationale of most educational reform efforts.
United States Department of Education: Safe and Drug Free Schools Program Information Guide
Text of an initiative to prevent violence and use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco in schools. Agenda, supporting literature, and related links.
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia: Literacy Information and Resources Guide
Research, policy, technology, training, and other issues such as minority languages and second-language learning in worldwide adult literacy.