Freedom of expression is the core political ideal undergirding American democracy and recent attacks on freedom of speech are a direct threat to the liberties and rights guaranteed in the United States Constitution. Freedom of expression is essential for participatory democracy, scientific progress, individualism, and civic education in K-12…

This special issue is intended to help teachers educate students about today's important U.S. Supreme Court and other judicial decisions, the legal issues they involve, and their impact on students' lives. The issue focuses upon the 1995 term of the Supreme Court and the tendency for the justices to vote unanimously. An overview of the cases and…

Discusses the project, "First Amendment Schools," by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the First Amendment Center (Arlington, Virginia). Explains that these schools involve students in the community and in democracy as a means to citizenship education. (CMK)

Asserts that social studies teachers must combine individual rights and responsibilities when teaching citizenship. Contends democracy depends on citizenship literacy, or citizens who understand their First Amendment rights as well as their obligations. Stresses the importance of teaching students to think critically about their role as citizens.…

In 2002-2003, American Youth Policy Forum conducted a series of forums and field trips focused on issues related to the development of effective citizenry and youth engagement. This publication reports on some of the ideas that were presented and discussed during the course of these activities, and describes some of the work that individuals and…

Asks questions related to the issue of freedom of speech, and uses that as a teaching strategy to examine the issues of citizenship rights and responsibilities. Provides 12 federal court cases as precedents and allows the students to be the judge by exploring the facts, the legal issues, and the constitutional principles. (NL)

This document discusses several aspects of teaching about religion in the public schools. While religion is an important element in many areas of literature, art, and music, the social studies, especially history and civics, provide the best opportunity for including religion in the curriculum. Teaching about religion in public schools is examined…

Introduces students to the issues of constitutional free speech, and provides hypothetical situations that allows them to make decisions concerning a proposed action and to identify when free speech is protected by the First Amendment. Each action is based on a legal precedent, and the teacher is provided with case references to aid in classroom…

Designed to extend Law Day's impact, this program gives lawyers, judges, and other community leaders the opportunity to teach important lessons about the United States Constitution and the federal government. It is intended to stimulate opportunities for students to reflect on the country's constitutional heritage and gain appreciation for the…

Reviews 10 resources on First Amendment issues and related social studies topics available from the Educational Resource Information Center (ERIC). Presents information pertinent both to the classroom teacher and to school administrators concerned about First Amendment issues. Gives annotated bibliographical information. (CH)

Designed to supplement students' study of the Bill of Rights and the First Amendment, this text can help them identify the First Amendment as a blueprint for a tolerant society. The introduction explains the purpose of the book and describes its contents. The first chapter discusses events leading to the First Amendment's creation. The chapter…

This teacher's guide is designed to accompany the two-part videotape "For Which It Stands: Flag Burning and the First Amendment." The videotape and teacher's guide should help students to: (1) understand the emotion and significance of the flag-burning issue; (2) examine the free speech aspect of the First Amendment of the Bill of…

This is the first of four special handbooks on constitutional themes. "The Idea of Liberty" (I. Starr) suggests that for teaching purposes, the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights is an excellent operating definition of liberty. "Introducing the First Amendment" (D. Sorenson) is a lesson plan for use with upper elementary and…

The definition of religious freedom from the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (1786) to the most recent U.S. Supreme Court decision is not clear and well-defined. The two religious clauses found in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (those denying Congress the right either to establish religion or to prohibit its free exercise)…

This Missouri law-related education (LRE) guidebook for judges visiting classrooms and class visits to courtrooms is premised upon the belief that partnerships between judges and teachers will foster civic competence in students, help students avoid legal problems, enhance higher level skills such as analytical thinking, and increase students'…