Contributions of Leading Educators Presented by: Jennifer Deabler and Vern Rhead WILLIAM BENNETTNEL NODDINGS Essentialism Education Structure 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 Bennett HISTORICAL/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 Education Appointed 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,  Political Appointments – Chair of National Endowments for the Humanities, 1981 (Reagan) – Secretary of Education, (Reagan) – Drug Enforcement Czar, (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 Noddings biographical 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 noddings History & 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 noddings historical/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?