To assist rural teachers in fostering students' democratic skills and dispositions, this article examines the convergence of literature on citizenship education, rural communities, and rural education and extrapolates the challenges and possibilities of rural citizenship education for proactive democratic life. Four assertions are elicited from a…

Kindergarten teachers do not view social studies as an important part of the preschool curriculum. This was the finding of a survey of kindergarten teachers in two midwestern states. The questionnaires used in the survey were designed to determine the emphasis teachers placed on specific social studies topics, skills, and values. Teachers…

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 paper explores the impact of the hidden curriculum on students. The hidden curriculum refers to the social relations and school climate of the schools. Two theories are presented as the basis for studying the relationship between school climate and students' social beliefs and actions. The generalization theory states that students view the…

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)

Following a brief discussion of what is currently being taught in social studies, the major propositions of a radical perspective that has emerged among academics are examined. According to the radical perspective, the ultimate social ideal and the purpose of education is the emancipation of all people. Social studies should concentrate on ideas…