During the last decade of the 20th century, the United States entered a new era of educational leadership. The seat of educational authority shifted from the district office to the individual school, from the principal-as-manager to the stakeholders: students, teachers, families, community members, school boards, politicians, and corporate and philanthropic foundations.

In "Educational Leadership," educator Pat Williams-Boyd traces these changes from their roots in the 19th century to the present day. She shows readers what leadership looks like when it is distributed throughout a...

The book covers everything from school vouchers to little-known market-based educational reforms like for-profit management of public schools, commercialism in the classroom, philanthropic tuition sponsorships, faith-based charities, educational tax credits, corporate curriculum, and advertising as well as exclusive agreements between companies and schools. It includes case studies of two well-established voucher systems: the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program and the private national voucher policy in Chile, a program started in l973. The book also includes a chronology, directories,...

In this comprehensive review of the wealth of techniques by which students can be assessed, Valerie J. Janesick points out that the politics of schooling often gets in the way of student progress. "High-stakes" standardized testing is frequently based on poorly constructed, unfair tests that encourage "teaching to the test," which actually impedes educational goals.

Authentic testing relies more on essays and writing samples, performances, demonstrations, and role-plays. Although it is fairer and provides a measure of student growth and progress, it requires more effort by teachers, who...

From 1954 to the present, from preschool programs like Headstart to historically black colleges and universities, "African American Education: A Reference Handbook" explores the black educational experience. Statistical analysis and anecdotal evidence, along with interviews with leading black educators, help readers understand the African American perspective on such controversial issues as testing, curriculum choice, institutional approaches, affirmative action, and the effects of desegregation. Readers will also discover how the striking incompatibility between early informal education...

This fascinating survey provides a comprehensive introduction to student rights, tracing the legal status of children as their father's property to their current status as citizens entitled to constitutional rights. Written by Patricia Hinchey, "Student Rights: A Reference Handbook" chronicles the landmark legislation and court decisions that have enabled the gradual transformation of students' rights.

This book explains issues surrounding mandatory education and education as a property right, examines various inequities such as the segregation of minority students, and discusses...

In this timely resource, educator Rosa Castro Feinberg surveys the developing field of bilingual education--its history, its theories, its practices, and the conflicts that swirl around it. She begins with an annotated chronology that describes influential people and events and traces themes in bilingual education from precolonial times to the present.

In three detailed chapters, Feinberg summarizes the widely varied state and local policies and bilingual programs across the country, and demonstrates the profound impact of federal legislation, policies, and court decisions. She also...

"Urban Education" encompasses the historical perspectives from the late 19th century to the present on urban schooling. It examines the social and political context of schools and the impact of court decisions on education in our urban schools. The book provides insightful analyses of teaching, curriculum, and assessment issues including curriculum differentiation between most suburban and urban school districts that contribute to the widespread achievement between these schools.

Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have influenced African American lives and communities since 1837. "Historically Black Colleges and Universities" provides a past and present look at their role in higher education.

This volume addresses why these institutions exist, how effective they've been, and if today's 103 HBCUs are still necessary. Special attention is given to the years since 1954 and to desegregation cases such as "Brown v. Board of Education," "United States v. Fordice," and other judicial decisions. The volume highlights government relations, leadership,...

"Secondary Schools: A Reference Handbook" charts the planning, designing, and administration of the various types of secondary schools in the U.S. and their goals. It maps the historical foundation of the school system, examines important social and cultural movements in education, analyzes legislation and policy issues, looks at standardization, and discusses reform.

Always keeping the needs of students in close focus, this book examines public and private institutions, vocational curricula, schools within schools, as well as target audiences for specific institutions, educational...