This research examines the linkages between ability grouping, classroom social and ethnic segregation, and civic competences (understood here as referring to attitudes and behaviours as well as knowledge and skills). It does so by analysing data from the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) Civic Education…

The first two chapters of this study concern (1) the neglect of human rights education in the schools and problems associated with this neglect and (2) objectives of human rights education. Objectives include knowledge of historical developments; knowledge of contemporary declarations, conventions, and covenants; knowledge of some major…

Argues that social justice is a legitimate goal of schooling and should be included in the curriculum. Discusses aspects of social justice including distributive justice and equality of educational opportunity. Maintains that Western educational systems have many possibilities for achieving social justice through the curriculum. (CFR)

Asserts that, after reviewing current literature on civic education and reading William J. Bennett's "The Book of Virtues," students should learn more about the values, virtues, and literature that has had a positive influence on society. Concludes that the diminished common core of knowledge and values has had a negative impact on…

As an agency of socialization, one of the main purposes of the school is to prepare children for responsible membership in society and to encourage appropriate social/moral attitudes and behavior necessary for good citizenship. This study of personal and social skills and values was conducted to help formulate the Canadian core curriculum.…

Social studies must educate students to be socially responsible, civically competent persons. In addition to encouraging civic literacy, civic values, and civic skill, teachers need to help students develop civic-mindedness. The objective of the NCSS' National Issues Forum in the Classroom Project is to develop students' civic intelligence. (RM)

Discusses a study of the role of social studies instruction in promoting sociopolitical mobilization among Nigerian youth. Examines the effects of gender, varied experience, and academic qualifications. Concludes than education is as effective as propaganda in influencing attitudes. (DK)

Summarizes some of the attitudes and circumstances contributing to low-voter turnout in the United States. These include apathy, language problems, lack of education, minority disincentives, a mobile population, and the discouraging effect of polls. Notes the impressive correlation between voter registration and voter participation. (MJP)

Critiques a set of children's books that focus on moral, social, and civic issues. All of the titles offer concrete examples of critical thinking and steer clear of agenda-based politics. Includes nonfiction, anthologies, and curriculum guides. (MJP)

This guide is designed to help students understand civics and government as well as the social, organizational, and technological systems that effect citizenship. It proposes use of a multimedia curriculum intended to combine the skills, knowledge, and content of civics with the workplace. The guide provides a rationale for an interdisciplinary…

Organized around the theme of influencing public opinion, this booklet provides teachers and lawyers with classroom materials for elementary grades K-3 (Level A), intermediate grades 4-6 (Level B), middle school grades 6-8 (Level C), and high school grades 9-12 (Level D). In addition, each level contains pages for the lawyer (marked by the scales…

This guide describes "Just Images" a series of television programs and exhibitions that offers a public forum for analyzing television's influential portrayals of trials, lawyers, and the legal system. Contending that television portrayals of high-profile trials has altered the public's perception of law and the role of lawyers in the…

Reviews approaches to teaching values in elementary schools. Describes a model consistent with the core values of the United States. Recommends an elementary curriculum resting on three cornerstones: (1) caring, (2) citizenship, and (3) conscience. Points out that controversial issues must be discussed openly within such a curriculum. (CFR)

Analyzes and compares two contemporary curricular responses to the need to redefine what constitutes "the American character:" (1) multicultural education; and (2) global education. Uses four cultural ethics (democracy, equal opportunity, fraternity, and consent) to establish a cultural mindset and to provide a lens through which both…

Briefly reviews a set of reference books and curriculum guides that lead teachers to resources for teaching moral, social, and civic lessons. Includes reviews of "Literature-Based Moral Education" and "Teaching Conflict Resolution through Children's Literature." (MJP)