Synopsis
Book and article excerpts debate major topics in education, examine the state of public schools, and explore the future of education. Selections are arranged in sections on the state of public education, school choice, multicultural approaches to education, the role of religious and moral values in public education, and how public education can be improved. Includes discussion questions and a list of organizations. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
KLIATT
Here is a welcome new addition to Greenhaven's exemplary series promoting critical thinking. These anthologies offer students the opportunity to compare and contrast viewpoints on current social issues from a variety of sources, carefully edited for clarity and length. For example, the title on terrorism presents opinions on the following questions: Is terrorism a serious threat? What motivates terrorists? Can terrorism be justified? How should the U.S. respond to terrorism? For each question there are six or seven selections of about half-a-dozen pages each; these include a speech by President Clinton as well as an interview with Osama Bin Ladin, so you can see that a wide diversity of opinions is represented. (Lesser-known authors are included as well.) Helpful chapter prefaces and introductory remarks before each article set out the issues, while occasional boxed quotes, tables and b/w illustrations and cartoons break up the text. The book concludes with a look at terrorism in three key areas, questions for further discussion, and a list of organizations. There are bibliographies of periodical articles as well as books. Those unfamiliar with the series or on a very tight budget might be interested in the "sampler" volume, Opposing Viewpoints in Social Issues, which offers half-a-dozen contrasting articles each on the topics of gun control, abortion, affirmative action, alcohol, the death penalty, assisted suicide, genetic engineering, and public health policies on smoking. For all secondary school and public libraries as well as social studies classrooms. KLIATT Codes: JSA*—Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students, advanced students, andadults. 2000, Greenhaven Press, 222p, 22cm, illus, bibliog, index, $13.96. Ages 13 to adult. Reviewer: Paula Rohrlick; May 2000 (Vol. 34 No. 3)