Educational Policy
Church Schools & Public Money: The Politics of Parochiad, by Ed Doerr & Albert J. Mendenez (Prometheus Books, 700 E. Amherst St., Buffalo, N.Y. 14215; 156 pp., $14.95 paper). Examines and critiques the attitudes and activities of government at the federal, state, and local levels regarding financial aid for parochial schools; argues against current efforts based on school choice to support private schools with public funds.
The Educational Messiah Complex, by Sanford W. Reitman (Caddo Gap Press, 3145 Geary Blvd., Ste. 275, San Francisco, Calif. 94118; 224 pp., $19.95 paper). Examines the “peculiarly American belief that schools can solve any and all social problems,’' giving the historical context for this phenomenon and offering a prescription for more-realistic and appropriate expectations.
Edutrends 2010: Restructuring, Technology, and the Future of Education, by David D. Thornburg (Thornburg Center for Professional Development, 1561 Laurel, Ste. A., San Carlos, Calif. 94070; 169 pp., 168 pp., $12 paper). Suggests restructuring strategies to meet the needs of 21st-century students based on America 2000 guidelines.
Restructuring Schools: Capturing and Assessing the Phenomena, by Joseph Murphy (Teachers College Press, 1234 Amsterdam Ave., New York, N.Y. 10027; 129 pp., $16.95 paper). Presents an overview and critical examinations of current reform proposals.
School/Community Relations, by Frank W. Lutz & Carol Merz (Teachers College Press, 1234 Amsterdam Ave., New York, N.Y. 10027; 224 pp., $19.95 paper). Using case studies, explores the inner political mechanisms that affect and define the relationship between community and local school system.
Reading and Literacy
Common Ground: Whole Language and Phonics Working Together, by Priscilla L. Vail (Modern Learning Press, P.O. Box 167, Rosemont, N.J. 08556; 86 pp., $8.95 paper). Provides an overview of appropriate reading material and related phonics instruction for grade levels K-4, describing techniques teachers can adapt and use in the classroom.
A Fountain of Language Development for Early Childhood Education and the Special Child, Too, by Leola G. Hayes (Vantage Press, 516 W. 34th St., New York, N.Y. 10001; 140 pp., $14.95 paper). Includes songs, games, poems, and stories to help children develop number awareness, as well as an appreciation for singing, poetry, and storytelling.
How To Sneak Up on a Good Book: Tips for Tracking Down Terrific Titles and A Dandy Reading Record for Writing Your Reactions, by Anne Polkingharn & Margo Sorenson (Perfection Learning Corporation, 1000 N. Second Ave., Logan, Iowa 51546; 56 pp., $2.95 paper). Workbook for use in recording and responding to personal reading choices.
The Language Continuum: From Infancy to Literacy, ed. by James F. Kavanagh (York Press Inc., 2712 Mt. Carmel Rd., Parkton, Md. 21120; 190 pp., $25 cloth). Includes information on language acquisition, including practical models for teaching reading and strategies to aid the language-handicapped child.
Literature-Based Moral Education: Children’s Books and Activities for Teaching Values, Responsibilities, and Good Judgement in the Elementary School, by Linda Leonard Lamme (The Oryx Press, 4041 N. Central Ave. at Indian School Road, Phoenix, Ariz. 85012; 145 pp., $24.50 paper). Discusses values important in a child’s moral development and integrates activities for classroom, library, or home use; reviews of children’s books that deal with issues such as conflict resolution, responsibility, and self-esteem.
Whole Language: Getting Started ... Moving Forward, by Linda K. Crafton (Richard C. Owen Publishers, 135 Katonah Ave., Katonah, N.Y. 10536; 322 pp., $19.95 paper). Discusses strategies and practices of seven whole-language classrooms from kindergarten through grade 12.
Your Reading: A Booklist for Junior High and Middle School Students, Eighth Edition, ed. by Alleen Pace Nilsen (National Council of Teachers of English, 1111 Kenyon Rd., Urbana, Ill. 61801; 342 pp., $16.95 paper). Contains annotated descriptions of nearly 1,200 titles of fiction and nonfiction for children in grades 5-9 grouped by categories such as Connections, Imaginings, Contemporary Poetry, and Books to Help with Schoolwork.
