Contributions of Leading EducatorsPresented by: Jennifer Deabler and Vern Rhead

WILLIAM BENNETT NEL NODDINGS

Essentialism

EducationStructure

Progressivism

A nation in crisis (late 1970’s)

– Oil prices and inflation at all time high

– Economic recession

– Falling behind global competition (industry, science, technology innovation)

Widespread mediocrity in school system

– Last in 7 of 19 student achievement tests versus international peers

– 23M American adults functionally illiterate (13% of 17 year olds

– Lowest test scores since Sputnik

Ronald Reagan: platform of change

– Return nation to core values and principles that made America great

– Refocus nation on essentials of education

William J BennettHISTORICAL/POLITICAL CONTEXT

Academic Knowledge– Core subjects of English, math, science,

history, literature and foreign language

– Limited electives in art, music, health and physical education

– Strong set of standards for curriculum and teacher education

Patriotism– American ideals: freedom, equality,

dignity of the individual, right to pursue your dreams

– “Love for country”

– Teach students about the heros that made America great

Character Development– Moral standards of western civilization

(honesty, compassion, courage, perseverance…)

– Provide training in good habits

Reform American EducationAppointed Secretary of Education November 1984

Assure a common culture among all Americans

Early Life and Education– Born July 3, 1943

– Middle class Roman Catholic family (streetwise kid who loved sports)

– Husband and father of 10 children

– Doctor of Philosophy, University of Texas, 1970

– Law degree, Harvard University, 1971

– Held several teaching and administrative posts at Boston University, 1971 - 1976

Political Appointments– Chair of National Endowments

for the Humanities, 1981 (Reagan)

– Secretary of Education, 1984-1988 (Reagan)

– Drug Enforcement Czar, 1988-1990 (George Bush)

William J Bennett Education Reformer: A Man of Strong Convictions and Candid

Commentary

Strong Conservative Leader and Education Reformer

– Strong minded eloquent communicator

– Bull headed (not afraid of controversy)

– Known for his candid commentary on the most important social issues of our time

– Host of Bill Bennett’s - Morning America talk show

Author of Numerous Books– America the Last Best Hope (three

volume series on American history)

– The American Patriot’s Almanac, Daily Readings on America

– The Book of Virtues, A Treasury of Great Moral Stories

– The Moral Compass: Stories for a Life’s Journey

Nel Noddingsbiographical information

born: 1929

family: Husband and ten children

schooling: Montclair state college (ba), Rutgers University (ma), standford university (ph.d.)

interesting facts: previous director of the laboratory schools at the university of chicago; commonly let her children stay home from school; a admittedly ‘domestic feminist’

nel noddingsHistory & contributions in education

personal experiences lead to development of ethics of care or care theory.

the ethics of care (relational ethics). what is it? why?

Criticisms: sara

Critical Thinking in Schools (Noddings)

promoted care ethics through teaching & Lecturing

EDUCATED AND PRESENTED RESEARCH FINDINGS ON CARE ETHICS: MORE THAN 200 ARTICLES, 13 BOOKS\

nel noddingshistorical/political context & affect on the future

full circle - the political/educational environment of today - similarities to context of the reagan administration

New economic recession

standards of education & debate

possible implications of noddings’s work?