Debating Issues in American Education

Gr 10 Up—Each of about 150 issues in primary and secondary education, in areas that range from school financing and governance to alternative schooling and the uses of new technology, is addressed here in a piece that opens with a "Yes/No" question (with some exceptions), and is followed by an overview and a pair of point-counterpoint arguments. The general slant of the material is academic, and the arguments are tightly laced with research results and case studies. The entries and the general introductions that open each thematic volume end with recommended resources and, where relevant, lists of court cases and statutes. Despite the high level of discourse, much of what is explored here is practical and, at least theoretically, should be of interest to present and future educators, parents, and politicians. Questions tackled include, "Should corporal punishment in public schools be abolished?" "Should English-only curriculums be eliminated or expanded?" and, "Should all forms of ability grouping be eliminated in schools?" Other debates take on school vouchers, teacher certification, religious expression in public schools, appropriate sources of funding, homeschooling, safety, and more. Though usable (and available) individually, each volume is capped by an analytical index to the entire set that highlights overlapping and interlocking subjects-notably the Common Core State Standards Initiative, aspects of which are examined in all five volumes. Relentlessly utilitarian design notwithstanding, these titles merit serious consideration for their systematic approach and unusually broad scope.—John Peters, Children's Literature Consultant, New York City