Phonics vs. Whole Language The scandal of widespread illiteracy has finally become a topic of general discussion and debate, from local newspapers to Dan Rather on the CBS Evening News. Americans are at last being told the tragic fact that the … [Read more...] about Phonics vs. Whole Language — July 1996
Whatever Happened To Competition in School?
When it comes to the Olympic Games, everyone seems to understand that competition produces the winners and the record-breakers. It's unlikely that the athletes could reach such heights of achievement and endurance if they were not competing against … [Read more...] about Whatever Happened To Competition in School?
Phonics Boom
It's many years overdue, but the scandal of widespread illiteracy has finally become a topic of general discussion and debate, from local newspapers to network TV news. Americans are at last being told the tragic fact that the public schools are … [Read more...] about Phonics Boom
Pupil Privacy Law Is Needed
The school establishment has suddenly discovered a bill that passed the House last year and is pending in the Senate which may interfere with plans to build files of personal information on public school pupils and their families. The Family Privacy … [Read more...] about Pupil Privacy Law Is Needed
Books About What’s Going On At Colleges
Those who just learned about the dumbing down of our best colleges from the slashing report of the National Association of Scholars should do their homework by reading some of the excellent books written during the last several years. Allan Bloom's … [Read more...] about Books About What’s Going On At Colleges
The Tide Is Turning Against Federal Education Bills
We've heard a lot about Republican plans to return power to the states. Bob Dole, in his stump speech, ostentatiously pulls a copy of the Tenth Amendment from his pocket, reminding us about the powers that are "reserved to the States respectively, or … [Read more...] about The Tide Is Turning Against Federal Education Bills
The Dumbing Down Of America’s Colleges
The 1996 Governors Education Summit at Palisades, New York, spent two days discussing "standards" for what students should learn in public schools. Longtime American Federation of Teachers president Al Shanker gave this concept a reality check. He … [Read more...] about The Dumbing Down Of America’s Colleges
The Feminists Seek Unfair and Unattainable Goals
The aging feminist leaders gathered in Washington earlier this month amid self-doubts about whether they are relevant any more. "We want to end this discussion about the death of feminism," proclaimed the organizer of this Feminist Expo '96 and its … [Read more...] about The Feminists Seek Unfair and Unattainable Goals
Clinton Will Never End Big Government
In his State of the Union speech, President Clinton announced the unconditional surrender of liberalism to conservatism. "The era of big government is over. We know big government does not have all the answers. There is not a program for every … [Read more...] about Clinton Will Never End Big Government
The Road Map To Real Reform In Education
Every now and then a book comes along, such as Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" or Ralph Nader's "Unsafe At Any Speed," that dramatically alters the focus of an entire industry. "Teaching Our Children to Read" by Bill Honig can be such a book. It … [Read more...] about The Road Map To Real Reform In Education
