Chapter 24: Wallace D. Draper (1994-1996): Five New Plans

Thirty-two individuals have served as the president of Kappa Delta Pi since the Society’s inception. Dr. Wallace D. Draper served as the twentyfourth president, having served from 1994-1996, in the midst of a decade heralded for growth, increasing diversity, and innovation on many fronts. The 1990s in the United States of America bore witness to rapid changes which would have far-reaching impact, but several would bear unique consequence for the field of education. As in decades before, legislative changes in education policy mirrored changes in society and signaled changes for educational practice. This phenomenon of course was not new to the educational world. For example, one of the most formative periods of educational reform, the 1960s, will be remembered for several lasting federal legislative changes such as the Civil Rights Act, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and the Higher Education Act, which revolutionized the practice of education. The 1990s dealt with issues of similar weight and import. Supreme Court rulings continued to focus on topics of intense societal interest such as the teaching of evolution, the practice of busing to achieve public school desegregation, and the rights of special education and minority students each of which impacted educational practices.