Herbert Kliebard

Herbert M. Kliebard (1930-2015) was a prominent historian of education and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His influential work focused on the development and evolution of American curriculum, educational reform movements, and the philosophical foundations of education in the United States. Kliebard's seminal work, "The Struggle for the American Curriculum" (1995), examined the competing social and intellectual forces that shaped American education from 1893 to 1958. The book remains a foundational text in curriculum studies and educational history, providing crucial insights into how various interest groups influenced the development of school curricula. Throughout his academic career at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Kliebard authored nearly 100 scholarly articles and several significant books. His research encompassed curriculum theory, the history of teaching methods, and the role of social efficiency in American education. As a scholar and educator, Kliebard brought unique perspectives from his early experiences teaching in the Bronx and working as a reading specialist. His academic contributions continue to influence contemporary discussions about curriculum development and educational reform.

Readers consistently describe Kliebard's "The Struggle for the American Curriculum" as thorough and detailed in documenting curriculum history. Multiple academics and educators note its value as a reference text for understanding educational reform movements. What readers liked: - Clear analysis of competing educational philosophies - Detailed research and primary sources - Accessibility despite complex subject matter - Balanced presentation of different curriculum movements What readers disliked: - Dense academic writing style - Heavy focus on administrative/policy level vs. classroom impact - Some found the chronological organization difficult to follow Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (52 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (28 ratings) One doctoral student reviewer noted: "Kliebard presents the historical context without getting lost in unnecessary details." A curriculum specialist wrote that the book "helped make sense of why American education evolved as it did." The book receives consistent use in graduate education programs, with many course syllabi citations and student reviews confirming its role as a curriculum history reference.

The Struggle for the American Curriculum, 1893-1958 (1995) A historical analysis examining how different interest groups and social forces shaped American school curriculum during a pivotal period in educational history.

Schooled to Work: Vocationalism and the American Curriculum, 1876-1946 (1999) Traces the development of vocational education in American schools and its impact on curriculum development during the industrial age.

Forging the American Curriculum: Essays in Curriculum History and Theory (1992) A collection of essays analyzing various aspects of curriculum development in American education throughout different historical periods.

Religion and Education in America: A Documentary History (1969) Documents the historical relationship between religious institutions and educational practices in American schools through primary sources.

Changing Course: American Curriculum Reform in the 20th Century (2002) Chronicles major curriculum reform movements in American education during the twentieth century and their lasting effects on educational practice.

David Tyack authored "The One Best System" and examined how urban education systems evolved in America from the 19th to 20th centuries. His work parallels Kliebard's focus on educational reform and institutional change through historical analysis.

Lawrence Cremin wrote comprehensive histories of American education, including the three-volume "American Education" series. His examination of education's role in society and cultural transmission aligns with Kliebard's interest in how social forces shape educational systems.

Michael Apple explores the relationship between education and power structures in society through works like "Ideology and Curriculum." His analysis of how ideology influences curriculum development builds on Kliebard's examination of competing interests in education.

Wayne Urban studies the history of education with emphasis on teacher organizations and educational policy development. His work on educational politics and reform movements connects with Kliebard's analysis of curriculum evolution and educational change.

Ellen Condliffe Lagemann investigates the history of educational research and reform in works like "An Elusive Science: The Troubling History of Education Research." Her focus on the development of educational research institutions complements Kliebard's work on curriculum history.