Federal Series

Iraq and the U.S.

The School Front

A series of articles from March and April 2003 addressing the influence of the Iraqi war on schools and students.

Education U.S.-Led Effort Girds To Reinvent Iraqi Schools
The U.S. firms and nonprofit organizations that have been tapped to remake the schools in postwar Iraq are beginning to navigate a labyrinth of logistical and cultural challenges. Includes "Help for Iraqi Schools."
Mary Ann Zehr, April 23, 2003
•
5 min read
Law & Courts Military Recruiters Meet Pockets of Resistance
As the conflict moves into postwar duty in Iraqi cities, the military is aiming to bolster its ranks in the years ahead with the help of a federal provision giving recruiters more power to make their pitch directly to high school students.
Sean Cavanagh, April 23, 2003
•
9 min read
School & District Management U.S. to Remake School System In Postwar Iraq
As American forces were taking control of Baghdad last week, officials in the United States began putting into place the building blocks of a new campaign: restructuring the Iraqi school system. Includes "Scholars Cite Lessons From Postwar Japan, Germany."
Mary Ann Zehr, April 16, 2003
•
9 min read
As hostilities begin in Iraq, a Wayne County, Mich., deputy sheriff stands guard March 21 at the Islamic Institute of Knowledge, a private school in Dearborn with many students of Iraqi descent.
Equity & Diversity Iraqi Pupils in U.S. Deal With Mixed Reactions, Emotions
When Michigan 7th grader Joseph Bacall switches on the TV and sees American bombs pounding targets in Baghdad, he sees not some distant geopolitical passion play about liberation or invasion. He sees the city his father once lived in.
Michelle R. Davis, April 9, 2003
•
6 min read
Curriculum Time an Enemy in Teaching About War
The study of U.S. conflicts throughout history weighs heavily on the school curriculum, and with good reason, educators argue. But providing the kinds of perspective and analysis that give students an in-depth understanding of those historic events is difficult, given the time and curricular constraints. Also: "Iraqi Pupils in U.S. Deal With Mixed Reactions, Emotions."
Kathleen Kennedy Manzo, April 9, 2003
•
8 min read
Technology Page
Education TV and the Web Offer Live Access— For Better or Worse
In a double- edged development that evokes mixed feelings among educators, the snazzy technologies that many U.S. classrooms now boast are allowing students unprecedented access to the face of war.
Andrew Trotter, April 2, 2003
•
6 min read
Education Schools Brace for Personal Toll In Iraq Conflict
Under clear Kentucky skies last week, the Christian County Middle School band struck up a patriotic tune. Students in red, white and blue, holding American flags, lined the edges of the school's circular driveway. They looked on, applauding, as about 150 students from military families passed before them in a parade that ran the length of the drive.
Michelle R. Davis, April 2, 2003
•
6 min read
School & District Management Coping With 'the World That They Know'
The pervasive and sometimes graphic images of war consuming the airwaves are posing great challenges for preschool and elementary teachers trying to allay young childrens' fears. Includes "Online Resources." Also ...
Linda Jacobson, April 2, 2003
•
7 min read
Federal American Schools in Middle East Keep a Wary Eye on War
The U.S.-led war against Iraq has brought a world of pressing issues—from safety concerns to teacher evacuations—to administrators of American and international schools in the Middle East.
Mary Ann Zehr, April 2, 2003
•
5 min read
Students in hallway
Curriculum War Lessons Call For Delicate Balance
As the United States launched military action against Iraq last week, many teachers were struggling to balance classroom discussions of the war, district policies on the treatment of controversial issues, and their own personal views.
Kathleen Kennedy Manzo, March 26, 2003
•
8 min read
Families & the Community Pre-War Poll Finds Guarded Student Support For U.S. Action
A majority of American high school seniors surveyed in the days leading up to the start of the war in Iraq expressed support for such U.S. action, according to a poll released last week.
David J. Hoff & Kathleen Kennedy Manzo, March 26, 2003
•
3 min read
Iraq and the U.S.: The School Front
School Climate & Safety Schools Ready for War And Strive for Routine
Once President Bush issued his 48-hour ultimatum to Saddam Hussein early last week to leave Iraq or face a U.S.-led military invasion, school administrators here at home prepared for the worst—all while trying to have school days like any others.
Catherine Gewertz, March 26, 2003
•
8 min read
School Climate & Safety War, Terrorism Fears Lead Schools To Scuttle Travel Plans
Whether he knows it or not, whenever Tom Ridge announces a national code- orange "high" alert for possible terrorist attacks, he is determining whether thousands of schoolchildren are permitted by their administrators to take field trips.
Mary Ann Zehr, March 26, 2003
•
5 min read