Asserts that concern for academic success across the curriculum should extend beyond raising test scores. Contends that in the wake of the terrorist acts of 9/11/01, issues of public security and civil liberties present an opportunity for teachers to teach the Constitution and its amendments in an effort to fight citizen ignorance. (SD)

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)

Presents the author's reflections on the importance of the United States Constitution and on the Constitution Bicentennial as an opportunity to stimulate public awareness and appreciation for the Constitution. (MCG)

The goal of civic education should be to develop competent, responsible citizens whose words and actions uphold and enrich the constitutional democracy of the United States. Being a good citizen requires proper knowledge, skills, and dispositions. This forum offers five articles: (1) "Educating Responsible Citizens" (Ivor Pritchard;…

In the elections of 2000, one-half of U.S. citizens did not vote, or vote effectively. This reflects a marked decline in civic participation. Before these serious civic issues could be addressed, a second national civics lesson suddenly upstaged the first when international terrorists hijacked and crashed commercial airliners into the World Trade…

Although schools cannot shoulder the entire burden in the civic enlightenment struggle, they must maintain a central role. This article defines civic education, recommends teaching about conflicting constitutional interpretations, and explains the Bicentennial curriculum designed by Chief Justice Warren Burger. Includes 15 references. (MLH)

Contains three essays on civic responsibility and the two-year college's role in civic education. Includes "Warren Burger and the Power of the Constitution," an interview with Burger by Dale Parnell; "Educating for Citizenship," by Herbert M. Atherton; and "Sustaining the Nation's Commitment to Civic Responsibility,"…

Like other institutions, schools are occupied by people whose duties and liberties are in conflict. Understanding the Bill of Rights can help resolve school problems as well as major social problems outside the court system. Students should value the first eight constitutional amendments as not tied to majority rule and should study them…

These lesson plans on the First Amendment are designed to help elementary school students to understand the history and meaning of the First Amendment and its importance in today's society. Seven lessons for primary grades cover the following topics: (1) Forms of expression; (2) Rights in daily life; (3) The First Amendment; (4) The right to meet…

These lesson plans on the First Amendment are designed to help secondary school students to understand the history and meaning of the First Amendment and its importance in today's society. The manual has two sections, one for middle school, the other for high school. Ten lessons for middle school students cover the following topics: (1) Throwing…

Examines the life of James Madison, Founding Father and "theoretic statesman." Focuses specifically on Madison's education and character, his friendship with Thomas Jefferson, and his civic legacy: a selfless devotion to republican government and union. (JDH)

This unit examines the responsibilities of being a U.S. citizen. It surveys the need for the participation of all citizens in the governing of the United States. Lessons explain that while the United States Constitution does not require the people of the United States to be good citizens, citizens need to work hard in order to stay free. The unit…

This booklet introduces ideas and materials for Law Day activities. Celebrated on May 1, Law Day is an annual opportunity to expand awareness of U.S. laws and the justice system and their valuable impact on our lives. The primary purpose of Law Day is to provide the opportunity for the public to reflect on U.S. legal heritage, the role of law in…

States that the proper business of social studies is civic education and contends that civic education must take into account the way in which global connections and uncertainties will affect citizenship in the Constitution's third century. Cites the problems associated with AIDS and the Iran-Contra affair as examples. (JDH)

Activities are described for helping students celebrate and learn about ratification and the historical debates preceding the Constitution's acceptance. (CB)