Abstract
Demands for excellence have achieved national prominence. Educators need to include the state, civism, and equity within the framework of defining excellence. Rightist and leftist philosophic/social views differ in approach and solution. Norms, quality, and selectivity are slogans of the Right. Equality, justice, and inclusion are the watchwords of the Left. With a traditional view of society currently ascendant, liberals must meet the challenge. For the sake of equity all must be educated in core subjects, using varied approaches, for a productive, competent citizenry. For those who can produce at a higher level in the arts, humanities, or science, teachers, resources, and standards must nurture, guide, and challenge. Excellence, as a standard open to continual revision and assessment, thus emerges as a goal for all.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Adler, M. (1982).The Paideia Proposal. New York: Macmillan.
Astin, A. W. (1984). Excellence and equity: Achievable goals for American education.National Forum 64: 24.
Boyer, E. L. (1982).High School: A Report on Secondary Education in America. New York: Harper & Row.
Flew, A. (1983). Competition and cooperation, equality and elites.Journal of Philosophy of Education 17(2): 267.
Goodlad, J. I. (1983).A Place Called School: Prospects for the Future. Hightstown, NJ: McGraw-Hill Book Co.
Keesbury, F. E. (1984). Who wrecked the schools? Thirty years of criticism in perspective.Educational Theory 34(3): 217.
National Commission on Excellence in Education (1983).A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform. Washington, D.C.
National Science Board Commission on Precollege Education in Mathematics (1983).Educating Americans for the 21 st Century. Washington, D.C.
Nicholson, L. J. (1984).Affirmative Action, Education, and Social Class. Philosophy of Education 1983. Normal, IL: Philosophy of Education Society.
Ornstein, A. C. (1978).Education and Social Inquiry. Itasca, IL: Peacock.
Proofriedt, W. Intelligence as human capital: Making it.Educational Theory 33(3 & 4): 113–124.
Shapiro, J. Z. (1984) Social justice and educational evaluation: Normative implications of alternative criteria for program assessment.Educational Theory 34(2): 141.
Tanner, D. (1984). The American high school at the crossroads.Educational Leadership 41(6): 5–13.
Task Force on Education for Economic Growth (1983).Action for Excellence, A Comprehensive Plan to Improve Our Nation's Schools. Denver, CO.
Wood, G. H. (1984). Schooling in a democracy: Transformation or reproduction?Educational Theory 34(3): 219–239.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Morrison, H.B. Excellence and education. Urban Rev 17, 257–263 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01258549
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01258549