American Educator: Spring 2002
New Funds, New Rules in New Federal Education Law
Funding for the Elementary and Secondary Education Act has been increased to over $22 billion, that's 27 percent more than last year. Along with the increase come new rules that continue a decade-long effort to push districts and states to adopt clear standards for student achievement, tests...
- (aimed at middle-schoolers, fascinating for adults)
Cultivating America's Unique Form of Patriotism
From the beginning, America's public schools have been charged with instilling in students a love of country. Many believed this emphasis had waned in recent years—partly in response to complaints of "ethnocentrism"; partly because the need for patriotic citizens seemed remote; partly...
The Constitution and Slavery
[Slavery] is hid away, in the constitution, just as an afflicted man hides away a wen or a cancer, which he dares not cut out at once, lest he bleed to death; with the promise, nevertheless, that the cutting may begin at the end of a given time. Less than...
It Begins with a Deliberate Choice
"But I'm not interested," cried the child.
"Oh, dear! Oh, dear! The child is bored," lamented the reformer,
waving his hands and running about in circles.
"Hurry! Hurry! We've got to rebuild the universe to suit her."
"No," muttered the cynic...
Becoming acquainted with the pleasures of reading while attending parochial school in Brooklyn during the 1950s was a simple matter. Once the good sisters "suggested" that a trip to the local library would be beneficial, my arrival there was ensured. Since my world at that time consisted of a...
Ready to encourage more reading in your classroom, school, or neighborhood? The following diverse set of resources will give you plenty of ideas.
As part of its nonfiction literacy campaign, National Geographic launched the Book Club for Kids with a wide range...