There is a crisis in democratic public space in the USA. This essay explores key areas that are either causes or effects of the present predicament: post-9-11 fear, neoliberalisation/globalisation, migrating populations, and the growing power of right-wing fundamentalism, among others. (Contains 6 notes.)

It was the Indian political leader G. K. Gokhale who described "The Report of the Indian Education Commission 1882-83" as "one of the weightiest and most interesting documents ever published in India." Long recognized as one of the most informative documents about the history of nineteenth century education in British India it…

Describes a recent increase in religious reference activity in public libraries and its impact on reference services and collection development. The need for open attitudes on the part of the librarian and the importance of understanding the patron's perspective are emphasized. Material selection aids and resource materials are reviewed. (CLB)

Interviews with 23 parents from 16 families revealed the following broad explanations for choosing home schooling: (1) home schooling will strengthen their families; (2) schools teach values and beliefs that directly contradict those that they want their children to learn; and (3) only they understand their children's special educational needs.…

A continuing decline in the number of women who become nuns has forced Catholic colleges sponsored by religious orders to revamp their budgets and substantially increase their fund-raising. College officials are turning to the laity for help in running and paying for their institutions. (MLW)

Provides six library media activities designed for use in connection with specific curriculum units in art, science, and social studies. The activities focus on appreciating Georgia O'Keefe, sound travel, rock identification, Thanksgiving customs, state road maps, and world religions. The descriptions include objectives, grade levels,…

Civil libertarians and members of more conservative special interest groups have equally legitimate concerns for the educational needs of students attending public schools. The goals and desires of concerned citizens from both sides can be met if neither makes unreasonable demands upon each other. (MD)

A Supreme Court decision requiring a state university to allow a student group to hold religious services in campus facilities is reviewed. The decision was admittedly a narrow one, leaving several issues for later consideration, but it does signal a lightening of longtime prohibitions on campus religious activity. (MSE)

The current attempts of religious and political conservatives to influence public education is placed in a wider historical context. The impact of religious groups and their ideas on the evolution of the public schools in America is traced from colonial times to the present. (PP)

John Dewey's profound influence on Alexander Dushkin's formulation of educational philosophy as it influenced the aims of Jewish education, cultural pluralism, the child-centered approach to education, and functional teaching ethics is examined. Dushkin's definition of Jewish education is developed from psychological, sociological, and religious…

The changing political and security situation in Indonesia since 1949 has made religion a compulsory subject at all educational levels. This paper looks critically at the assumptions underlying this policy. Its scope is limited to administration and control, educational objectives and curriculum, morality and values, and teacher education. (Author)

The issue of observability and the relative roles of the senses and reason in understanding the world is reviewed. Eastern "mystical" philosophy serves as a focus in which interpretations of quantum mechanics, as well as the current bootstrap-quark controversy are seen in some slightly different contexts. (Author/GA)

In 1977, religious fundamentalists in Queensland attacked MACOS, a primary social studies course. Content analysis of fundamentalist writings and MACOS materials shows them diametrically opposed in cultural presuppositions. Subsequent government banning of MACOS is seen as a political move to enforce on schools the views of the political elite.…

Explores recent theoretical works in language, identity, culture, and implications for cultural ethnic education, specifically Jewish education. Argues that these works can help educators interested in the creative and participatory development of Jewish and other ethnic religious groups to rethink the content and processes of their educational…

Discusses the increasingly multicultural nature of California's population. Questions whether multiculturalism can be incorporated into Christian education. Provides a checklist of multicultural religious education programs divided into knowledge, skill, and attitude components. (CFR)