2002 - Library Journal's Best Reference Sources
2012 - RUSA's Outstanding Reference Sources
"Considering the extent to which the field has developed in the past generation, revision of Encyclopedia of Education, ed. by Lee C. Deighton was in order. The second edition, with an international view but a US focus, displays its currency by incorporating the provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002. Editor Guthrie, assisted by nearly 1,000 contributors from various schools, basically adheres to the same goals and format exhibited in the previous edition. He and his colleagues offer the views, in lengthy, comprehensive essays, of the institutions, people, processes, roles, and philosophies inherent in teaching practices. The work duly recognizes the increased importance of technology and economic forces, especially globalization. ... The more than 850 articles contain bibliographies, many of which include Internet sites; 121 are biographical sketches, a number too small considering that Ivan Illich and Cora Wilson Stewart (of moonlight school fame) are nowhere to be found. ... The last volume consists entirely of appendixes, but strangely the largest section consists of court cases, legislation, and international agreements. ... Useful to education libraries ... Summing Up: Highly recommended. General and academic libraries. "
"Like the 1971 edition, the second edition offers a view of the most significant institutions, people, processes, roles and philosophies associated with educational thought and practice, ...addressing the societal and institutional changes that have both influenced and been influenced by educational development over the past three decades...This second edition of the Encyclopedia of Education is a much needed and welcome resource providing authoritative essays on topics ranging from the early beginnings of education in the United States to contemporary international educational developments to the No Child Left Behind Act signed into law by President George W. Bush in January, 2002... Entries include 121 biographies of influential educators; profiles of historic colleges and universities; discussions of educational policies, judicial decisions, and legislation; and descriptions of organizations active in the field... This second edition of the Encyclopedia of Education will prove to be an essential and extremely valuable resource for educators, parents, policy makers, students, and the general public. Libraries at universities offering programs in education would also find the eBook version a welcome edition to their collection. The editors, authors, and publication staff at Macmillan can take pride in a job well done. "
"This is an important and much needed addition to the reference literature in education. The list of contributing authors is sprinkled with distinguished experts, and the writing is good throughout. Overall, this set is an essential purchase for academic libraries supporting teacher education."
"If you have been looking for a quality encyclopedia about education, this is the set to purchase. This set has been totally rewritten, as it should be since there have been so many new issues and controversies surrounding education. The set provides an overview of people, universities, professional organizations and educational issues. Each article is signed by a scholar and contains both an essay and a bibliography. Issues are well-done because they have a number of scholar-written articles on various aspects. We were particularly interested in articles about school libraries and technology and found the articles well-written and done by scholars we recognized. The essays are quite readable by educators and would be valuable to parents trying to understand educational concepts. The set is particularly useful for teachers in training or in those trying to understand the jargon of the field. The set is also a good place to go for brief overview material that can set the stage for a discussion of issues. The coverage of people, organizations and professional societies is excellent. Volume eight of the set deserves additional attention. Various appendixes provide a treasure trove of information, including a list of assessment and achievement tests, a state-by-state directory of departments of education, full-text court cases, legislation and international agreements, a bibliography of Internet resources, a bibliography of additional important works and a wonderful outline of contents that helps the reader find all aspects of a subject throughout the volume. All in all, this is a must-purchase for all professional education libraries, schools where professional development is ongoing or faculties where teachers are trying to upgrade their skills or grapple with issues. "
"Though this is called the second edition of the 1971 Macmillan set, all of the articles are new. They cover policy and curriculum issues, learning, assessment, standards, history and culture, legislation, and profiles of organizations, schools, and people. The writing is well edited and accessible, with more than 850 signed articles from nearly the same number of experts. ... The primary focus appears to be on U.S. practices and institutions, from preschool to higher education. However, international coverage can be found throughout the set in articles on countries or regions as well as within topics. ... Volume 8 contains some useful appendixes as well as a detailed subject index. ... With its wider ranger and in-depth treatment of topics, this new edition of the Encyclopedia of Education will complement more specialized education references and those with shorter entries. It will be a standard in academic libraries supporting education programs. "
"Over 30 years after its first appearance, this major reference work has received a complete content overhaul, though wisely the original structure has been retained. ... The multivolumes set covers the field of education broadly, treating institutions, people, processes, roles, and philosophies in language suitable for university students and general readers. Included are over 850 signed articles written by over 900 contributors and varying in length from 500 to 5000 words. ...Given its wide scope, this set is admirably even-handed in its attention to most areas of educational research and practice. ... This large-scale, all-inclusive reference continues to set a very high standard and belongs in all libraries. "