Hot-Button Issues in Today's Schools What

Now more than ever before, parents need to be informed so that they may become active, knowledgeable partners in the educational process. Here, the authors discuss contemporary educational issues of paramount concern for parents.

Sheldon Marcus is professor of educational leadership and policy at Fordham University's Graduate School of Education Philip D. Vairo is former president of Worcester State College in Massachusetts and dean emeritus at California State University in Los Angeles

Acknowledgments

vii

Preface: Who Wrote This Book and Why?

ix

Introduction

xiii

Part I: The Teacher and the Principal

Are You Happy with Your Child's Classroom Teacher?

3

(9)

Is Your Child's Principal a Real Leader?

12

(7)

Male Teachers in the Primary Grades: Where Are They?

19

(5)

Should Parents Play a Role in the Selection, Promotion, Compensation, and Dismissal of Teachers and Principals?

24

(9)

Part II: Classroom Management and Organization

Homogeneous versus Heterogeneous Grouping: What Are Your Views?

33

(6)

Promotional Policies: Where Do You Stand?

39

(5)

Classroom Discipline: What Kind Do You Want for Your Child?

44

(5)

How Can Homework Be Utilized as an Effective Learning Tool?

49

(6)

Children with Special Needs: Where Do They Fit?

55

(10)

Part III: Curriculum and Textbook Issues

The Three Rs and Rote Learning: Are They Outdated?

65

(7)

Bilingual Education: What Does It Really Accomplish?

72

(5)

Is There a Place for Diversity in the Curriculum?

77

(6)

Textbooks Used in Our Schools: Have You Reviewed Them?

83

(8)

Part IV: Evaluation

Report Cards and Standardized Tests: What Do They Tell You?

91

(8)

Can You Help Your Child Who Is a ``C'' Student Become an ``A'' or ``B'' Student?

99

(7)

Parent-Teacher Conferences: What Is Your Plan?

106

(7)

Part V: Evolving Issues

Nutrition and the School Cafeteria: How Is Your School Doing?

113

(6)

Sex, Drugs, Smoking, and Other Health Concerns: Do They Belong in the School Curriculum?

119

(6)

What Can Be Done to Improve School Safety and Avoid Violence in Our Schools?

125

(6)

College Admission: Is It Ever Too Early to Plan for Your Child's Future?

131

(6)

Part VI: Alternative Strategies

School Vouchers: Problems or Opportunities?

137

(7)

Homeschool Instruction: A New Era or an Educational Error?

144

(6)

Summer School, After-School Activities, and the Extended School Year: Are New Directions Needed?

150

(7)

Public, Private, or Religious Schools: Which One for Your Child?

157

(6)

Concluding Remarks

163

(4)

Supplementary Reading

167

(4)

Index

171

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Hot-Button Issues in Today's Schools What Every Parent Needs to Know

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials