ABSTRACT
In social studies, the revival of traditional history and geography continued to wield influence, as increasing numbers of states revamped their curricula and relabeled courses. Clinton gave greater rhetorical attention to issues of educational equity, citing Jonathan Kozol and the 'savage inequalities' in school spending. A centrist, bipartisan coalition was beginning to emerge around a new policy regime in education that emphasized systemic reform, but with disagreement on specifics. Republican gains could be partly attributed to bold leadership by Gingrich and the increasingly powerful influence of the religious right. The Christian Coalition made education a focus of its campaign, and it emphasized opposition to federal influence and outcome-based education (OBE), along with support for school prayer and vouchers. The reforms represented a triumph of sorts for educational conservatives and traditionalists who had been railing against progressive education for decades.
