CURIN 843: TRENDS AND ISSUES
PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Summer 2009
Course Number:
CURIN 843
Title:
SEM: TRENDS AND ISSUES - RESTRUCTURING THE AMERICAN SCHOOL
Instructor:
Dr. Charles Kent Runyan
Office:
117C Hughes Hall
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Pittsburg State University
316-235-4497 (Office) 620-232-8044 (Home)
E-mail:
krunyan@pittstate.edu
Office Hours:
Monday through Thursday, 9:00 – 11:00
Other times by appointment
Dates of Class:
July 6 to 30
Monday through Thursday, 10:30 to 12:50 pm
Class Location
Room 309
Credit:
3 hours, graduate
Course Description:
The course will explore the concept of school reform through an examination of the critical issues facing the American
school and the promising trends found in restructuring the educational system. In surveying the critical issues, the current
condition of the American educational system, the teaching profession, and the future of American education will be
explored. In examining promising trends, explored will be specific characteristics, programs, practices and techniques
used in developing a restructured school that provides students with the skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to meet the
demands of the 21st century. Also examined will be Effective Schools research, Outcome-Based Education, and the QPA
paradigm. This course is designed to provide the knowledge base needed to empower teachers to change their schools.
Teachers and administrators interested in orienting their school towards meeting the educational demands of the future
will find it interesting and challenging.
Purpose of Course:
The calls for restructuring the American school are coming from all directions. These reform-oriented voices from
business leaders, parents, and other educational stakeholders are creating an atmosphere for change unparalleled in
education for the past three decades. Characteristic of these outcries are demands for increased student equity,
international competitiveness, curriculum revision, greater accountability, and a host of other issues. It is in this
atmosphere that schools are moving beyond simplistic tinkering to putting together various ideas and techniques that
individually are not new but when selectively combined fit into an organized strategy for changing the entire educational
system. All over the nation, schools are tinkering with, revising, and, in some cases, truly restructuring the way education
is delivered. This course is designed to offer an organized framework for viewing the various national restructuring efforts
and for analysis of the issues associated with these present efforts.
Required Course Text:
Schultz, Fred (Ed.). Education 09/10. Guilford, Connecticut: Dushkin Publishing, 2009.
Angel Assess: (Course Material, Assignments, Announcements, and Instructor PowerPoints)
http://www.pittstate.edu/
(Log On with Username (PSU Student Number) and Password)
Course Objectives:
As a result of the study of CURIN 843 the student should be able to:
Standard #13 The educator is a reflective practitioner who uses an understanding of historical, philosophical, and social foundations of
education to guide educational practices.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Reflect upon and evaluate various social transformations and philosophical orientations presently defining the educational environment in America.
Synthesize the history of educational reform in America.
Classify various educational reform rationales and types of reformers.
Explain why educational issues continue to persist in American society.
Analyze different stages of change involving faculty concern, emotion, usage, and operation.
Explore various legal issues connected to student and teacher rights under the law:
a.
Child Abuse
b. Slander and Libel
c.
Sexual Harassment
d. Bullying
e.
Drug Testing
f.
Search and Seizure
g. Dress Codes
h. Corporal Punishment
i.
Special Education, IDEA and 504
j.
Attendance Regulations
k. First Aid and Medications
l.
Student Assessment
m. Title IX
n. Religion in the Classroom
o. Censorship
p. Tenure
q. RIF and Dismissal
Standard #9 The educator is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his or her choices and actions on others
(students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community), actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally, and
participates in the school improvement process.
7.
Reflect upon and evaluate the critical attributes of the Effective School correlates of school climate, high expectations, instructional focus, leadership,
and measurement.
8. Identify and assess the major components of Outcome-Based Education.
9. Examine the major characteristics in the paradigm shift proposed by Quality Performance Assessment (QPA) and deduct how it relates to the OBE
and Effective Schools movement.
10. Identify and judge the major components of No Child Left Behind.
11. Take a position on specific educational issues involved in improving the American school.
a.
What is the biggest single change occurring in America today?
b. How does effective change occur?
c.
What is the present quality of the American public school?
d. What is the most critical issue facing American Education today?
e.
What are the characteristics of an effective school?
f.
Can ‘choice’ led the way to educational reform?
g. How should schools respond to home schooling?
h. What is the role of the public school in teaching values?
i.
What can teachers really do to improve the quality of student learning?
j.
Is full inclusion of special children an effective practice?
k. What educational legal issue needs additional judicial scrutiny?
l.
What idea holds the most promise for creating a safer school environment?
12. Take a position on an educational issue related to his or her situation by researching the historical background, examining the various viewpoints, and
taking a personal position.
Standard #3 The educator demonstrates the ability to provide different approaches to learning and creates instructional opportunities that are
equitable, that are based on developmental levels, and that are adapted to diverse learners, including those with exceptionalities.
13. Differentiate the characteristics involved with specific structural and curriculum initiatives involved in providing different approaches to learning:
a.
Year-Round schools
b. Charter Schools
c.
Upgraded or Multi-aged Education
d. Alternative Schools
e.
Home Schools
14. Differentiate specific instructional and assessment opportunities that provide different approaches to learning:
a.
Character Education
b. Multiple Intelligence Instruction and Assessment
15. Define, describe, and reflect upon different design options for inclusion of identified students.
Standard #10 The educator fosters collegial relationships with school personnel, parents, and agencies in the larger community to support all
students' learning and well-being.
16. Reflect upon initiatives that will provide safe learning environments for students and faculty.
17. Reflect upon the need for and benefits of mentoring early career teacher.
18. Discuss the role of experience teachers in training alternative certified teachers.
19.
20.
21.
22.
Work collegially to discuss, reflect upon, and critique specific educational issues.
Identify specific values the American public expects taught in their schools.
Understand how factors in the students' environment outside of school influence students' learning.
Identify numerous policies, programs, procedures, and innovative techniques used in the American school to foster relationships between the school
and home.
Standard #1 The educator demonstrates the ability to use the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of each discipline he or she
teaches and can create opportunities that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for all students.
23. Through critiquing various articles on the American school, the student will be able to evaluate issues related to providing a meaningful education for
all students:
a.
differentiate between fact and opinion;
b.
recognize and evaluating author bias and rhetoric;
c.
determine cause and effect relationships;
d. determine accuracy and completeness of information;
e.
recognize logical fallacies;
f.
compare and contrasting information;
g. develop inferential skills; and
h. make judgments and drawing logical conclusions.
Standard #12 The educator understands the role of technology in society and demonstrates skills using instructional tools and technology to
gather, analyze, and present information, enhance instructional practices, facilitate professional productivity and communication, and help all
students use instructional technology effectively.
24. Identify the variety of media communication tools and techniques used to enrich learning opportunities in the American school.
25. Uses technology in gathering, analyzing, and presenting information.
Attendance Policy:
Learning experiences cannot be measured by testing procedures alone. Many learning activities of this course do not
readily lend themselves to examinations, thus attendance and participation in class activities is expected and required.
1. A student's final course grade will be lowered one letter grade with the accumulation of two unexcused absences.
2. Unavoidable absences such as those due to health, death in the immediate family, or similar reasons should be reported
to the instructor by the student and will be considered excused.
3. When a student misses classes for reasons other than above, he does so at the risk of jeopardizing his academic standing.
Teaching Strategies:
The instructor will use varied models of instruction to help achieve the course goals. Teaching methods used will be class
discussion, lecture, structured debate, role playing, gaming, student presentations, readings, video presentations, and
various models of cooperative learning. Being a graduate class, the course will strive to develop the student's powers of
critical thinking. The development of critical thinking is the key to understanding and use of information. It allows the
student to discuss and argue points of opinion and points of fact and is the basis for the formation of independent thinking.
Thus, many of the teaching strategies are designed around developing the skills of:
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
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differentiating between fact and opinion;
recognizing and evaluating author bias and rhetoric;
determining cause and effect relationships;
determining accuracy and completeness of information;
recognizing logical fallacies;
comparing and contrasting information;
developing inferential skills; and
making judgments and drawing logical conclusions.
Through class, as well as small group discussions, various issues will be examined which will ask the student to critically
analyze specific points.
Course Requirements:
1. Attendance and Participation
Each student will be responsible for reading the required text and/or outside readings and for participation in class activities
and discussions. Each student will be expected to participate in a cooperative learning group that will stay together
throughout the term of the course.
2. Article Reviews
Each student will read, critically analyze, and share with his/her group at least six current journal articles. Three (3) of the
articles will be presented orally and three (3) will be written as one page article reviews. The written reviews will be
duplicated for each group member.
3. Hot Topic Presentation
Each student will orally present a short (5 minute) position on a featured hot topic and answer critical questions posed by
the instructor or the class.
4. Position Paper
Each student will a select a specific educational issue or reform to study in a brief paper and group presentation.
5. Position Statements or Final Exam
As the course progresses, each student will take a position on numerous issues in short reflective paragraphs. The student
will write and share 12 positions and select 6 to be evaluated.
Course Evaluation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Class Attendance and oral article reviews (3)
Written Articles Reviews (3)
Hot Topic Presentation
Position Paper or other project
Position Statements (6)
15%
15%
10%
30%
30%
Trends and Issues: Restructuring the American School
Course Content and Time Outline
Course Content Introduction: Below, for each day, the day’s major topic is listed in bold print. The topic is followed by the day’s major
objectives and instructional activities. Normally, a PowerPoint lecture/discussion and accompanying video will provide the instructional focus
for the first half of class. After a break, article critiques or position paragraphs will be presented in small groups. The assignment for the next
day concludes the day’s description. For the last two weeks of class, time will be made near the end of class for the presentation of 2-3 Hot
Topics. The instructor reserves the right to alter the course schedule or topics to meet unexpected circumstances or class interests.
Day 1
Introductions / Syllabus / Course Overview
PowerPoint:
Trends and Issues Course Overview
Dr. Runyan’s Background
Activity: Trend or Issue Positively Affecting Education Today
Reading Assignment for Next Class: Scan Articles in all chapters to assess scope of issues
Day 2
Social, Philosophical, Educational Change Environment
Objectives:
1. Reflect upon and evaluate various social transformations and philosophical orientations presently defining the
educational environment in America.
2. Understand how factors in the students' environment outside of school influence students' learning.
PowerPoint:
A Guide To Dr. Runyan’s Up-Bringing
Change in the American Society and Education
America’s Train of Children
Reading Assignment for Next Class: Scan and read several articles in “Cultural Diversity and Schooling” (6)
Position Question(s) for Next Class:
Question 1: What is the biggest single change occurring in America today?
Day 3
History of Reform in Education / Change Theory / Reform Rationales / Types of Reformers
Objectives:
2. Synthesize the history of educational reform in America.
3. Classify various educational reform rationales and types of reformers.
4. Explain why educational issues continue to persist in American society.
5. Analyze different stages of change involving faculty concern, emotion, usage, and operation.
6. Take a position on specific educational issues involved in improving the American school.
7. Take a position on an educational issue related to his or her situation by researching the historical background, examining
the various viewpoints, and taking a personal position.
PowerPoint:
History of Reform and Change Theory
How to Write a Position Paper
Activity:
How Do Schools Change
Groups Assigned
Articles Discussed in Group: “Cultural Diversity and Schooling” (6)
Articles Orally Critiqued Next Class: "How Others See Us and How We See Ourselves" (1)
Position Question(s) to Write:
Question 2: How does effective change occur?
Day 4
Day 5
Organizational and Curriculum Changes in the American School
Objectives:
7. Differentiate the characteristics involved with specific structural and curriculum initiatives involved in providing different
approaches to learning.
8. Work collegially to discuss, reflect upon, and critique specific educational issues.
9. Through critiquing various articles on the American school, the student will be able to evaluate issues related to
providing a meaningful education for all students
PowerPoint:
Changes in the American School – Organization and Curriculum
Questions, Questions, Question
Video:
The Restructured School
Activity:
Phi Delta Kappan Gallup Poll
Position Question Shared with Group: Question 2: How does effective change occur?
Group Articles Orally Critiqued Today: How Others See Us and How We See Ourselves (1)
Articles Orally Critiqued Next Class: “Rethinking and Changing the Educational Effort” (2)
Instructional and Assessment Changes in the American School
Objectives:
14. Differentiate specific Instructional and Curriculum changes that provide different approaches to learning.
24. Identify the variety of media communication tools and techniques used to enrich learning opportunities in the American
school.
11. Take a position on specific educational issues involved in improving the American school.
PowerPoint:
Changes in the American School – Instructional and Assessment
Video:
The Charter School
Group Articles Orally Critiqued Today: “Rethinking and Changing the Educational Effort” (2)
Position Question(s) to Write for Next Class:
Question 3: What educational change in the American school holds the most promise? Or
What is the most critical issue facing American Education today? or
Should the Bible be taught in the public school?
Day 6
The Teaching Profession – Teacher Shortage
Objectives:
17. Reflect upon the need for and benefits of mentoring early career teachers.
18. Discuss the role of experience teachers in training alternative certified teachers.
19. Work collegially to discuss, reflect upon, and critique specific educational issues.
23. Through critiquing various articles on the American school, the student will be able to evaluate issues related to providing
a meaningful education for all students
PowerPoint:
Teacher Shortage: Attracting and Retaining Teachers
Video:
New Teacher Induction – Harry Wong
Position Question(s) for Next Class:
Question 4: “What three strategies hold the most promise in attracting and/or retaining teachers?”
Position Question Shared with Group Today:
Question 3: What educational change in the American school holds the most promise?
What is the most critical issue facing American Education today? or
Should the Bible be taught in the public school?
Hot Topic and Position Paper Topics Tentatively Decided – Begin Research
Day 7
No Child Left Behind / QPA / Effective Schools / Outcomes-Based Education
Objectives:
7. Reflect upon and evaluate the critical attributes of the Effective School correlates of school climate, high
expectations, instructional focus, leadership, and measurement.
8. Identify and assess the major components of Outcome-Based Education.
9. Work collegially to discuss, reflect upon, and critique specific educational issues.
10. Identify and judge the major components of No Child Left Behind.
Video: The Battle Over School Choice
Positions to Be Shared Today:
Question 4: “What three strategies hold the most promise in attracting and/or retaining teachers?”
Articles To Be Orally Critiqued for Next Class: ”Striving for Excellence” (3)
Position Question(s) to Be Written:
Question 5: “Can ‘choice’ led the way to educational reform?”or
“Has No Child Left Behind been good for the local educational systems?”or
“Can ‘choice’ led the way to educational reform ”
Day 8
Alternative Education: Home Schooling and Alternative School
Objectives:
22. Identify numerous policies, programs, procedures, and innovative techniques used in the American school to foster
relationships between the school and home.
19. Work collegially to discuss, reflect upon, and critique specific educational issues.
23. Through critiquing various articles on the American school, the student will be able to evaluate issues related to
providing a meaningful education for all students
PowerPoint:
The Changing Face of Education: Home and Alternative Schools
Video:
Alternative Education: There’s No Place Like Home
Group Articles Orally Critiqued Today: ”Striving for Excellence” (3)
Reading Assignment for Next Class “What Values Should Be Taught in American School”
Position Question(s) for Next Class:
Question 6: “What should be the state policy directions towards home schooling?” or
“What should be the primary characteristics of an alternative school?”
Hot Topic / Position Paper Topics Finalized – Begin Writing Position Paper and Constructing PowerPoint
Day 9
Character Education
Objectives:
14. Differentiate specific instructional and assessment opportunities that provide different approaches to learning –
character education.
20. Identify specific values the American public expects taught in their schools.
11. Take a position on specific educational issues involved in improving the American school.
Video: Character Education
Activity: What Values Should Be Taught in the American School
Positions to Be Shared Today:
Question 5: “Can ‘choice’ led the way to educational reform?”or
“Has No Child Left Behind been good for the local educational systems?”
Question 6: “What should be the policy directions towards home schooling?
“What should be the primary characteristics of an alternative school?”
Reading Assignment for Next Class: National Issues Forum Material
Articles To Be (Written) Critiqued for Next Class: ”Morality and Values in Education” (4)
Position Question(s) to Write
Question 7: “What is the role of the public school in teaching values?” or
“What values should be taught in the American School?”
Hot Topic Presentations:
1.
2
3.
Day 10
Educational Policy Making Based on Political Orientation
Objectives:
19. Work collegially to discuss, reflect upon, and critique specific educational issues.
23. Through critiquing various articles on the American school, the student will be able to evaluate issues related to providing
a meaningful education for all students
Video:
Involving Parents in School
Activity:
National Issues Forum School Board Role Play
Group Articles (Written) Critiqued Today: ”Morality and Values in Education” (4)
Articles To Be (Written) Critiqued for Next Class: “Serving Special Needs and Concerns” (7)
Position Question(s) to Write:
Question 8:”How or who should make the major educational decisions in a local school district?”
Hot Topic Presentations:
4.
5.
6.
Day 11
Diversity in The American Classroom
Objectives:
15. Define, describe, and reflect upon different design options for inclusion of identified students.
11. Take a position on specific educational issues involved in improving the American school.
PowerPoint:
Diversity and Special Children
Video:
Sean’s Story
Assignment for Next Class: Pre-Test Law Quiz
Articles To Be (Written) Critiqued: “Serving Special Needs and Concerns” (7)
Position Question(s) to Write:
Question 9:”Is full inclusion of special children an effective practice?”
Hot Topic Presentations:
7.
8.
9.
Day 12
School Finance and The Legal Structure of American Education
Objectives:
7. Explore various legal issues connected to student and teacher rights under the law.
19. Work collegially to discuss, reflect upon, and critique specific educational issues.
23. Through critiquing various articles on the American school, the student will be able to evaluate issues related
to providing a meaningful education for all students
PowerPoint:
Finance and Legal Structure of American School
Activity:
Law Quiz
Positions to Be Shared Today:
Question 7: “What is the role of the public school in teaching values?”
“What values should be taught in the American School?”
Question 8: “How or who should make the major educational decisions in a local school disctict?”
Question 9: ”Is full inclusion of special children an effective practice?”
Hot Topic Presentations:
10
11.
12.
Day 13
Student and Teacher Rights
Objectives:
7. Explore various legal issues connected to student and teacher rights under the law.
19. Work collegially to discuss, reflect upon, and critique specific educational issues.
23. Through critiquing various articles on the American school, the student will be able to evaluate issues related to providing
a meaningful education for all students
PowerPoint:
School Law
Video:
Justice Factory: Student Rights
Activity: Law Quiz
Articles To Be (Written) Critiqued for Next Class:
“Managing Life in the Classroom” (5)
and/or The Profession of Teaching Today (8)
Position Question(s) for Next Class:
Question 10: “What educational legal issue needs additional judicial scrutiny?”
Hot Topic Presentations:
13.
14.
15.
16.
Day 14
Managing Schools: Safe Schools, Bullying, and Sexual Harassment
Objectives:
16. Reflect upon initiatives that will provide safe learning environments for students and faculty.
11. Take a position on specific educational issues involved in improving the American school.
PowerPoint:
Safe School Environments
Video:
How to Create Safe Schools
Group Articles (Written) Critiqued Today: “Managing Life in the Classroom” (5)
and/or The Profession of Teaching Today (8)
Position Question(s):
Question 11: “What idea holds the most promise for creating a safer school environment?”
Due Next Class: 1. Six Position Statements 2. Three Written Critiques 3. Position Paper
Hot Topic Presentations:
17.
18.
19.
20.
Day 15
Schools of the Future: Technology
Position Question(s) to Share:
Question 10: “What educational legal issue needs additional judicial scrutiny?”
Question 11: “What idea holds the most promise for creating a safer school environment?”
Due Today: 1. Six Position Statements 2. Three Written Critiques 3. Position Paper
Hot Topic Presentations:
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
Day 16
Course Conclusion – Educational Leadership
Objectives:
19. Work collegially to discuss, reflect upon, and critique specific educational issues.
Hot Topic Presentations:
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
Graded Assignments: Article Reviews/Position Paper/Position Paragraphs
Power Point:
Educational Leadership: It’s Up To You
Assignment Summary
Position Questions
(Choose 6 out of 10 to submit for evaluation)
Day 3:
Day 4:
Day 6:
Question 1:
Question 2:
Question 3:
Day 7:
Day 9:
Question 4:
Question 5:
Question 6:
Day 12:
Question 7:
Question 8:
Question 9:
Question 10:
Question 11:
Day 15:
What is the biggest single change occurring in America today?
How does effective change occur?
What educational change in the American school holds the most promise” or
What is the most critical issue facing American Education today? or
Should the Bible be taught in the public school?
What three strategies hold the most promise in attracting and/or retaining teachers?
What are the characteristics of an effective school? or
Can ‘choice’ led the way to educational reform ”or
Has No Child Left Behind been good for the local educational systems?
What should be the state policy directions towards home schooling?
What should be the primary characteristics of an alternative school?
What is the role of the public school in teaching values? or
What values should be taught in the American School?
How or who should make the major educational decisions?”
Is full inclusion of special children an effective practice?
What educational legal issue needs additional judicial scrutiny?”
What idea holds the most promise for creating a safer school environment?
Article Critiques from Education: Annual Edition
(The 3 written critiques will be submitted for evaluation)
Day 3:
Day 4:
Day 5:
Day 8:
Day 10
Day 11 :
Day 14:
Group Discussion: Unit 3: The Challenges of Diversity and Poverty
Your Articles:______________________________________________
(Oral) Unit 5: The Profession of Teaching
Your Article:_________________________________________________
(Oral) Unit 2: Reformatting Our Schools
Your Article:_________________________________________________
(Oral) Unit 4: Ed that is Relevant to Real World or Unit 7: Cornerstone to Learning: Reading
Your Article:_________________________________________________
(Written) Unit 9: Creating Caring Communities of Learners
Your Article:_________________________________________________
(Written) Unit 6: Issues in the Inclusive Classroom or Unit 1: Assessment and Research
Your Article:_________________________________________________
(Written) Unit 8 Rethinking Discipline
Your Article:_________________________________________________
Position Paper and Hot Topic
(The paper will be presented for evaluation and information used for the Hot Topic presentation)
Your Position Paper Thesis: ___________________________________________________________________________
Hot Topic Presentation Date: _____________
50 Possible Position Paper Topics
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
Are online classes an effective means of teaching?
What American social program offers the most promise in helping American children succeed in school?
What characteristics does a truly restructured school possess?
Have schools really changed over the past three decades?
What would define today’s “basics” in education?
Is there “equity” in educational opportunity for American’s children?
Should there be a national curriculum?
Would a national testing program make the American educational system more effective?
Should test scores be used to evaluate teachers?
How should teachers be evaluated?
Are teachers as good as they use to be?
Are vouchers good for public education?
What choices should parents have to optimize the quality of educational services?
Should PTA’s be allowed to fund school positions?
Is the NEA or AFT beneficial to American education?
Does No Child Left Behind (NCLB) offer a quality blueprint to educating all children?
Has the influence of business been good for schools?
Do un-graded or multi-aged schools provide a better structure for educating young children?
Do year-round schools provide a viable option for quality education?
Do charter schools provide a better road for student success?
Has the privatization of educational systems led to higher quality education?
Has “Block Scheduling” realized greater student achievement?
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
What is “excellence” in education?
Does class size make a difference in academic achievement?
Is recess obsolete?
Do students misbehave more today than they use to?
Is retention good for students?
What role should schools play in keeping children healthy?
Can virtue be taught?
What is the effect of media on the educational experiences of children?
Will technology replace textbooks?
Has the influence of technology been beneficial to schools?
Should parents have the right to home school their children?
Gifted education should be redefined?
Has tracking been a beneficial practice in American education?
Can educators really stop sexual harassment or bullying in the schools?
Is norm reference testing is an unfair assessment.
Has criteria-referenced testing led to higher student achievement?
Is National Board Certification a passing fad?
What is the best thing education can do to attract future teachers?
How can we increase the retention rates of teachers?
Is alternative certification good for the teaching profession?
Should mayors be involved in the public school system?
Do school administrators really need to have teaching experience?
How should public schools be finance?
Should the Bible be taught in the public schools?
Should Intelligent Design and/or Creationism be part of the science curriculum?
What educational legal issue needs additional judicial scrutiny?
What idea holds the most promise for creating a safer school environment?
Should schools increase its commitment to fighting obesity?
What is missing in the public conversation about education?