In the wake of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the American government acted quickly to mobilize what it called "critical homeland defenders" to meet the threat faced by our nation and the world. Not surprisingly, 21 government agencies made the list, ranging from the State Department to the U.S. Border Patrol. That may be what…

During the past dozen years, the author has spent hundreds of hours discussing the relationship between education and democracy in seminars with groups of school- and university-based educators. Serving the public good in a democracy means serving the common weal, that of both the individual and the collective. The citizens of a democracy must…

Although Congress now recognizes education as central to America's economic standing, education should also be supported to sustain democracy. Scholar R. Freeman Butts argues that civic learning is education's "prime purpose." Administrators should work to instill commitment to the common good so that America continues to select rational, humane…