Presents a critique of an article by Chuck Chamberlin arguing for a political action model of social studies instruction in elementary schools. Suggests 10 reasons why this approach may not be advisable. Argues that Chamberlin's suggestions lean heavily on a U.S. study that may not be relevant to Canadian society. (DK)

Contemporary college students' apparent lack of exposure to citizenship, lack of concern for others, and ignorance of how to be involved citizens has prompted a call for involving students in volunteer service at the national level or as part of the undergraduate experience. This monograph begins by discussing volunteer programs as they relate to…

Noting that law-related education (LRE) instills in its practitioners a strong desire to share its message with the world, this technical bulletin outlines the international activities of several LRE organizations. The Center for Civic Education hosts international visiting scholars, sponsors an annual conference that alternates between sites in…

Proclaiming that delinquency and violence among youth are neither uncontrollable nor inevitable, this technical bulletin argues that law-related education (LRE) can help young people overcome adverse environmental conditions by teaching the principles and skills needed to become responsible participants and active citizens. Although LRE cannot…

This document contains the national standards for civics and government for grades K-12. They are intended to help schools develop competent and responsible citizens who possess a reasoned commitment to the fundamental values and principles that are essential to the preservation and improvement of U.S. constitutional democracy. This document is…

Student activity programs should be an integral part of education. Movements to limit student participation in activities by academic eligibility requirements do not take into account research that shows that the most consistent predictor of a person's life success is achievement in cocurricular activities.(MD)

This year, Americans celebrate and reflect on the 40th anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that secured the right to vote for millions of disenfranchised African Americans, as well as the 50th anniversary of the bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, where Rosa Parks stood up for justice by sitting down on a bus, thus catalyzing the Civil …

This report looks at the distribution of earnings by occupation for all workers and separately for men and women as reported on the Census 2000 long form. Earnings include wages, salaries, and self-employment income (see Text Box: What is "Earnings"? for more details). Whereas income questions have been asked on the decennial census only since…

Discusses the problem of ethnocentrism in the educational system of the United States. Suggests that knowledge needs to be redefined to reflect a multicultural view of the world rather than reflecting an "us against them" outlook. Argues that the humanities need to be decentered so that minority students are not alienated. (DK)

Maintains that, from very different points on the ideological spectrum, citizenship and citizenship education have been added to the political agenda. Argues that political theory, distinct from descriptive civics, is more relevant to the political development of citizens. (CFR)

Reports on a study of 135 Russian and 279 U.S. teachers on the importance of 11 broad educational goals. Finds that U.S. teachers were most committed to basic skills development and critical thinking. Finds that Russian teachers were most supportive of interpersonal understanding, human relations, and ethical well-being. (CFR)

Representatives at the school, district and state levels, as well as scholars and researchers, have been working with the Education Commission of the States' National Center for Learning and Citizenship (ECS/NCLC) to define citizenship education expressed in terms of three strands forming a "braid" of civic competencies. This updated version of…

The Youth Leadership Institute (YLI), was founded in 1989 to address the clear need among youth-serving institutions, such as schools and school districts, community organizations, health care providers and the public health system, and the juvenile justice system, to give young people a real say in the key decisions, programs, and systems that…

This paper depicts the origins, operation, and success of the Community Mediation Service established at the University of Hawaii, Manoa in 1979. During the 1970s, a national impetus for change arose out of stresses in the justice system including clogged courts, expensive and lengthy litigation, distrust of lawyers, and dissatisfaction of both…

The degree to which children should have a voice in anything is the subject of strongly divergent opinion. There are many examples of children who organize themselves successfully without adult help. Children need to know that along with any rights they have come certain responsibilities. Youth participation in decision making can range from…