The fact that curriculum content represents interpretations and values linked to certain groups rather gives it a potential for enhancing interests and of being a political tool. General questions to help students see that issues represent conflicting value positions held by interest groups are included. (RM)

The article describes an approach to infusing human dignity into the social studies curriculum through (1) planned instruction, (2) teacher-child interaction, and (3) school responses to unacceptable behavior. Recommended practices for each of the three components are offered. (DB)

This article presents some of those premises the author believes are significant to the study of law, coupled with some classroom strategies for elementary education designed to examine those premises. (Author/JR)

Certain fundamental perspectives on social issues have become conventions in the way society is represented in school curricula, distorting the kind of social understanding needed by young people. Among these distorting conventions are functionalism, determinism, and individualism. These approaches to social education are analyzed; alternative…

This document discusses various models of peace education. Peace education can be handled in a number of different ways in relation to the traditional "Didactic space" of schools, for example: (1) peace education can be made into a special subject, a mono-curricular approach; (2) peace related issues can be handled by means of special…

Examines the conflict between the "politically correct" movement and educational "traditionalists." Suggests that the "politically correct" view seeks to purge sexism, racism, and economic classism, whereas traditionalists desire to inject values into education. Identifies the one-sidedness of each position. Argues…

Differentiates between utopian societies and their opposite, anti-utopias. Cites literary works which refer to the relationships between utopias and technology. Provides a bibliography of works cited as well as secondary sources. (TW)

Contends that middle- and upper-income youth may indirectly be the beneficiaries of social systems that are based on policies of injustice for the sake of profit or power. Suggests using an approach that helps such young people see that the establishment of social justice is beneficial to them as well as to the victims of injustice. (CFR)

This document discusses and documents the answers that 50 experts representing 22 countries gave to two questions: (1) Do you think it is at all possible for schools to contribute to a "peace education"? and (2) If so, what are some to the steps and measures to be taken that you think of first? Part 1 of the report attempts to summarize…

The primary goal of social studies is education for political citizenship. Democratic values is the most important type of content to be included in the social studies program of the middle grades. (RM)

Examines how the section on values in the 1981 "California History/Social Science Framework" points the way and direction for educating students to become good citizens. The author discusses 10 basic ideas or value-oriented claims that he thinks could be used as an intellectual framework to guide the designing of civic education…

Discusses the new emphasis of the section on values in the 1981 "California History/Social Science Framework." The development of a personal value system and the study, understanding, and appreciation of the values of others is seen as the basis of American citizenship. (AM)

These Utah core standards are designed to help prepare students for the changing times that will require knowledge and skills for living and competition in the information age. Six qualities are emphasized (1) higher level thinking and process skills; (2) citizenship/character practices and principles; (3) basic U.S. values; (4) economic literacy;…

To aid in the development of moral and ethical frames of reference necessary for citizenship in a democratic society, the booklet outlines 7 programs for K-6 students that present 19 concepts for affective education instruction in the areas of values, attitudes, and interests. Some of these include freedom, honesty, loyalty, responsibility,…

Proposes a model for teaching multicultural awareness in elementary social studies classes in order to give children a more meaningful perspective on their own culture. Based on a comparative study of critical life events such as marriage or death, the model should be of immediate personal interest to students. (AV)