Taking sides. Clashing views on social issues / selected, edited and with introductions by Kurt Finsterbusch

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part 1.--Enduring issues: -- Should schooling be based on social experiences? -- Should the curriculum be standardized for all? -- Should behaviorism shape educational practices? -- Should church-state separation be maintained? -- Should school attendance be complelled? -- Part 2.--Current fundamental issues -- Can "character education" reverse moral decline? -- Should multicurtualism permeate the curriculum? -- Can federal initiatives rescue failing schools? -- Do high-stakes assessments improve learning? -- Have public schools failed society? -- Part 3.--Current specific issues: --Are vouchers an appropriate choice mechanism? -- Can charter schools revitalize public education? -- Have public schools adequately accommodated religion? -- Is full inclusion of disabled students desirable? -- Is size crucial to school improvement? -- Should bilingual education programs be abandoned? -- Does school violence warrant a zero-tolerance policy? -- Can self-governing schools rescue urban education? -- Should technology lead the quest for better schools? -- Is mandatory community service desirable and legal? -- Should alternative teacher training be encouraged?