Pushing the Envelope : Critical Issues in Education

by Ornstein, Allan C.

• ISBN13: 9780130990907
• ISBN10: 0130990906
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-01-01
• Publisher: Prentice Hall

Summary

This casebook offers 27 research-based cases that explore current and controversial issues in education; the stakeholders involved in education--parents, teachers, administrators and other professionals; and the groups affected by educational controversies--the disenfranchised, those with special needs, liberals, conservatives, reformists, radicals, scientists, technocrats, humanists, and artists. The provocative writing style that asks "why" and "what if" in a way no other book does, is intended to stimulate and provoke future teachers to reflect on--and hopefully modify--their own ideas and values that will shape their teaching. A five-part organization covers philosophical/social foundations, curriculum and instruction, teacher professionalism, school policy and reform, and multicultural and international education. For teachers and future teachers of all grade levels, school administrators, and anyone with an interest in the education system.

Table of Contents

Preface.
To the Reader.
Acknowledgments.
Introduction: About the Author's Intent.

PHILOSOPHICAL/SOCIAL FOUNDATIONS.

1. Philosophizing About Philosophy.
2. The Influence of the Educational Pioneers.
3. Teacher and Teenager Involved.
4. Cracking Down on Student Culprits.
5. Condoms or Abstinence.

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION.

6. U.S. History CD-ROM.
7. Detracking...Honors Classes.
8. Pushing for Tougher Standards.
9. Accountability: The Finger Is Pointing Elsewhere.
10. Television as the First School System.
11. Distance Education.

TEACHER PROFESSIONALISM.

12. Why Teach?
13. Teacher Preparation: What Course?
14. Finding a Teaching Position.
15. Adjusting to Your New Job.
16. The Reality of Teaching.
17. Teaching Conditions.
18. Financing Teacher Salaries.

SCHOOL POLICY AND REFORM.

19. Year Round Schooling Debate.
20. Baseball in Yankee Heights.
21. Preparing for Suburban School Desegregation.

MULTICULTURAL AND INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION.

22. Race and School Reform.
23. A New Form of Bilingualism.
24. Inclusion: How Far Should It Go?
25. Programs for Gifted Students.
26. Diversity in a Global Village.
27. International Test Comparisons.
References.