Taking sides. Clashing views on educational issues / edited, selected, and with introductions by James Wm. Noll.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

pt. 1. Basic theoretical issues: Should schooling be based on social experience? -- Should the curriculum be standardized for all? -- Should behaviorism shape educational practices? -- Is constructivism the best philosophy for education? -- pt. 2. Current fundamental issues: Can the public schools produce good citizens? -- Has resegregation diminished the impact of Brown? -- Have public schools adequately accommodated religion? -- Can federal initiatives rescue failing schools? -- Do high-stakes assessments improve learning? -- Should "public schooling" be redefined? pt. 3. Current specific issues: Has the Supreme Court reconfigured American education? -- Can charter schools revitalize public education? -- Is home schooling a danger to American society? -- Is full inclusion of disabled students desirable? -- Is size crucial to school improvement? -- Should bilingual education be abandoned? -- Does school violence warrant a zero-tolerance policy? -- Should homework be abolished? -- Do computers negatively affect student growth? -- Can merit pay accelerate school improvement? -- Should alternative teacher training be encouraged? -- pt. 4. Bonus issues: Is "intelligent design" a threat to the curriculum? -- Is there a crisis in the education of boys?520 \\ [This] is a debate-style reader designed to introduce students to controversies in education. The readings, which represent the arguments of leading educators and social commentators, reflect opposing positions and have been selected for their liveliness and substance and because of their value in a debate framework. For each issue, the editor provides a concise introduction and postscript summary. The introduction sets the stage for the debate as it is argued in the "yes" and "no" readings. The postscript briefly reviews the opposing opinions and suggests additional readings on the controversial issue under discussion.-Back cover.