No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Education is being transformed at a rapid pace because of a variety of political and social forces. One of those forces is an increased emphasis on market-based policy and practice. School reform advocates in general and political conservatives in particular see the market approach as one that can and will positively affect educational practices. Ridenour, Lasley, and Bainbridge examine the efficacy of the market approach as it has been evidenced in the development of charter schools and choice options. The authors conclude that the rate of change needs to be managed to protect students and that strategic partnerships must be created to ensure more collaboration between those with conflicting views. Whereas business benefits from competition, education requires a type of “coop-petition” to ensure that all students are provided an adequate education.

Students who aspire to become school principals and superintendents must be prepared to lead schools committed to serving boys and girls equitably. In this qualitative study, 122 graduate students in a cultural diversity course maintained journals of their experiences. The authors kept records of teaching the course and of selected written assignments given to the students, according to Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium standards, which drive reform in school leadership. From analysis of all written materials, themes emerged showing that students (a) grew more aware of gender stereotyping and its limiting effects, (b) sometimes changed their professional practice toward gender fairness, (c) became aware of gender discrimination and power differences on the basis of gender, and (d) developed heightened sensitivities to gender-biased language.