ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the relevance of media literacy programs to educational reform, authentic learning, and assessment. It focuses on the development of media education in different countries and a consideration of why it has been slow to develop in the United States. The book describes the current controversy in England over the new National Curriculum, which has called for media education, and the even newer propensity by members of the Tory government, to call for a back-to-basics approach to English education. It analyzes how Israel established a national curriculum in media literacy and how it developed out of public pressures, and from the input of teachers, scholars, and politicians. The book explores issues that face each nation as it develops education policy and national curricular goals.
