One of a series of booklets designed to make available to a wide audience thoughtful perspectives on issues of domestic and foreign policy, this booklet contains two essays which provide a solid base for elementary and secondary teachers to communicate the nature of America's place in the world, its responsibilities, ideals, and traditions to…

Because the outcome of education should be independence as well as a sense of accomplishment in serving others, educational objectives should consist of a demonstration of competence, the application of learning, creative responses, and the ability of one learner to teach the other. Educators need to reinforce examples of the work ethic and…

Asserts that the status of civics, a formal course of instruction in middle/junior high schools, is alarming. Maintains that civic or citizenship education is the central purpose of social studies. Provides a context and suggested content for a civics course. (CFR)

Asserts that, for citizens in a democracy to understand and act upon complex societal issues, they must be able to integrate knowledge from a variety of subjects. Traces the history of interdisciplinary social studies education and examines arguments of its supporters and detractors. (CFR)

This booklet introduces ideas and materials for Law Day activities. Celebrated on May 1, Law Day is an annual opportunity to expand awareness of U.S. laws and the justice system and their valuable impact on our lives. The primary purpose of Law Day is to provide the opportunity for the public to reflect on U.S. legal heritage, the role of law in…

Offers information useful to educators interested in implementing community-service programs. Provides estimates of students' participation in community service in U. S. high schools; describes the nature of the programs and students' experiences; and reports data which illustrate that the potential for influencing civic responsibility may not yet…

Contends that citizenship and democracy are two of the most overused words in social studies classrooms. Maintains that schools must walk a tightrope between those fostering patriotic attitudes and those fostering critical-mindedness and protest. Includes four suggestions for critical thinking in social studies. (CFR)

Democratic ideals are not known instinctively, but must be purposely taught, for an educated, informed citizenry is vital to the well-being of every democracy. The essential assumptions and values of democracy include the principle of inalienable rights, respect for certain institutions such as a representative government, an independent…

This report focuses on youth service as a vital component of education for citizenship. The following six major recommendations to encourage voluntary student and youth services are offered: (1) creation of quality student service opportunities as central to the fundamental educational program of every public school, including either elective…

Maintains that the world is nearing the end of a great age of democratic revolutions. Asserts that civic or citizenship education is in danger of being sidetracked by the national educational reform movement. Argues that "CIVITAS," a civic education curriculum framework, provides a model for effective citizenship education. (CFR)

This highly acclaimed volume in the "Defending Public Schools" series is now available in paperback from Teachers College Press. It is a practical, necessary addition to the work of administrators, teachers, policymakers, and parents as they negotiate the difficult path of how to best teach and educate today's children and youth. This…

In order to champion law-related education, this volume argues that administrators of law-related education (LRE) programs should make public relations an integral part of program planning. An introductory section defines public relations and offers basic advice for developing goals and strategies. The guide advises program directors to train…

In discussing citizenship education three neo-Marxist theories are outlined. Approaches to determining content and process in citizenship education are offered. A consideration of alternatives and directions concludes the discussion. (MD)

Argues that teaching authentic civic values in schools frequently requires teaching about controversial issues. Asserts that adequate teacher preparation and continued inservice education is essential for effective instruction about contemporary social problems. Includes two model lessons and a list of organizations that offer materials for civic…

Explaining that interest in law magnet programs has grown substantially in the 1990s, this bulletin analyzes these programs on the basis of information provided by 24 mostly urban magnet schools. The schools in the sample represent the spectrum of law magnet program sizes, organizational structures, and settings. The report defines a law magnet…