This book is a guide to creating a democratic classroom management style that serves as a real-life model for the same system of rules and responsibilities under which students will live when they leave school. The ideas are based on ethical, educational, and legal perspectives for school rules and decisions based on a democratic form of…

This model is designed to provide direction for school districts to develop their own competency-based education programs. It is not intended as an instructional guide. The guide's ultimate purpose is to enhance the quality of social studies learning (history, sociology, geography, economics, government) in Ohio schools. The personnel responsible…

Presents a case study of a controversy resulting from the state textbook review process used in New Mexico. As a result of citizen projects, educators were forced to improve evaluation procedures and to reexamine their attitudes toward public involvement in education. Suggestions for effective handling of textbook protests are included. (AM)

Global education is education designed to cultivate a world view and to develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to live effectively in a culturally diverse world characterized by increasing economic and social interdependency. Social studies teachers should assume a key role in introducing a global perspective to the curriculum. (JN)

Describes how teachers at Mason High School (Ohio) prepare students to pass state citizenship proficiency tests. Argues that these tests cannot be accurate measures of learning but that the objectives behind them provide sound educational goals. Shows how students of all abilities can be assisted in meeting the proficiency standards. (DSK)

Adopted by the California State Board of Education on June 10, 1988, this handbook outlines the legal rights and responsibilities that school personnel have and their educational responsibilities in such areas as morality, democratic values, and religion in the schools. Section I, "Moral Values and Public Education," addresses the issues…

Part of a project to assist educators, parents, and community leaders as they develop and implement citizenship education programs, the document identifies and describes citizenship competencies. The document is presented in five chapters. Chapter I introduces the handbook and considers factors influencing citizenship education including social…

This "Civic Index" is intended to help communities evaluate and improve their civic infrastructures, as well as look at the issues and find approaches to dealing with them. The 10 components of the Civic Index serve as a description of the types of skills and processes that must be present for a community to deal effectively with its unique…

A 5-part handbook provides elementary and secondary educators and community organizations with background information and resources for teaching mediation strategies. An introduction (part I) provides a rationale for mediation as a form of dispute resolution and for mediation programs in the schools. Part II seeks to define mediation by describing…

Responsibilities of schools in civics education begin with teaching the fundamental principles of democracy. A second responsibility is to make democratic ideals the foundation on which the school culture is founded, and a third is to provide a way for students to apply their knowledge through practicing democracy in the schools. (SLD)

Citizenship enables young people to learn about their rights and responsibilities, to understand how society works, and develop knowledge and understanding of social and political issues. Through citizenship education young people are encouraged to take action on issues of concern to themselves and to play an active part in the democratic process,…

This document contains information about outdoor ethics issues. The information was compiled by the Izaak Walton League of America, established in 1922 as a national nonprofit organization whose members educate the public about emerging natural resource threats and promote citizen involvement in environmental protection efforts. The league…

This pamphlet discusses one of the most essential but often misunderstood tasks facing nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations today: lobbying. It is addressed to Americans who volunteer their time and money to promote causes they believe will make this a better world. The pamphlet encourages citizens to lobby for two reasons. First, because virtually…

Describes a program called the Character Education Curriculum developed by the American Institute for Character Education that is the most widely used plan for teaching the basic traits of character, conduct, and citizenship. (MD)

A discussion of literary works can aid in the development of civic understanding among elementary school children. This resource provides reviews for more than 100 children's literature titles. Each entry includes grade level and bibliographic information. Teaching guides are provided for 20 titles and include a summary of the story, suggestions…