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

Includes bibliographical references and index.

pt. 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 compelled? -- part 2. Current fundamental issues -- Can "character education" reverse moral decline? -- Should multiculturalism 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 -- Has the Supreme Court reconfigured American education? -- 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? -- Should homework be abolished? -- Should technology lead the quest for better schools? -- Can merit pay accelerate school improvement? -- Should alternative teacher training be encouraged?