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In Badges and Incidents, Michael J. Kaufman undertakes an interdisciplinary investigation of American education law and pedagogy. By weaving together the invaluable insights of law, education, history, political science, economics, psychology, and neuroscience, this book illuminates the ways in which the design of the American educational system does not reflect how human beings live and learn. It examines the principles of the nation's Founders and demonstrates how a distorted presentation of the Founders' views curtailed the development of a truly democratic educational system. The influence of this distortion on several critical Supreme Court decisions is exposed, and these decisions have largely failed to facilitate the educational system the Founders envisioned. By placing contemporary challenges in context and endorsing social constructivist pedagogy as the best path forward, Kaufman's study will prove invaluable to advocates of equity in education, helping them navigate a contentious political climate with an eye toward future reform efforts.
List of contents
1. The political philosophy of American education; 2. American education from independence to reconstruction and the stamp of slavery; 3. Older but not wiser: America industrializes and embraces the flawed philosophy of behaviorism in education; 4. Brown and resegregation; 5. Voluntary race-conscious admissions policies in higher education; 6. San Antonio, inequity, and the human struggle; 7. Gender discrimination in education; 8. Special education and inclusion; 9. Civil rights in the educational environment and student discipline; 10. Current reform initiatives and a better way forward; Index.
About the author
Michael J. Kaufman serves as Dean of the School of Law, Loyola University, Chicago. He has published more than thirty books and countless articles in the areas of his expertise, including education law, policy, and pedagogy. Dean Michael J. Kaufman also served as President of the Board of Education for a large, diverse school district in the Chicago area.
Summary
Badges and Incidents explains the law and pedagogical practices governing American education. It is a valuable resource for any citizen concerned with ensuring equal educational opportunity for all. By examining sources from the Constitution to the latest neuroscientific research, the book outlines principles for a truly democratic system of education.
