Teaching students to act as citizens significantly enhances preparation for college and career. It is incumbent upon the National Council for the Social Studies to provide guidance to states and local districts to develop social studies standards to achieve this goal. The recommendations presented here focus on the principle that standards…

Via an imaginary job interview between John Dewey and a curriculum administrator seeking an ideal citizenship education coordinator, this article defines good citizenship as steadfast pursuit of the public interest, not the interests of power wielders fostering uncritical patriotism. Curricula should encourage student responsibility and focus on…

Evaluates efforts to incorporate ethical instruction into schooling through emphasis on citizenship and moral competence. Labels such efforts "moral vocationalism." Suggests that the movement has a weak knowledge base, relies upon behaviorist principles, and is exclusively instrumentalist. Recommends fortifying the approach with…

The conventional way of thinking about politics keeps us from studying the important work that citizens must do to achieve political efficacy. Students learn the procedures of government as if politics were a spectator sport. While everyone learns about the politics of government, there is little discussion about the politics of the public. Unless…

Because the outcome of education should be independence as well as a sense of accomplishment in serving others, educational objectives should consist of a demonstration of competence, the application of learning, creative responses, and the ability of one learner to teach the other. Educators need to reinforce examples of the work ethic and…

Democratic ideals are not known instinctively, but must be purposely taught, for an educated, informed citizenry is vital to the well-being of every democracy. The essential assumptions and values of democracy include the principle of inalienable rights, respect for certain institutions such as a representative government, an independent…

This report focuses on youth service as a vital component of education for citizenship. The following six major recommendations to encourage voluntary student and youth services are offered: (1) creation of quality student service opportunities as central to the fundamental educational program of every public school, including either elective…

Maintains that the world is nearing the end of a great age of democratic revolutions. Asserts that civic or citizenship education is in danger of being sidetracked by the national educational reform movement. Argues that "CIVITAS," a civic education curriculum framework, provides a model for effective citizenship education. (CFR)

Argues that a social action model of citizenship education is mandated by two principles of democracy: consent of the governed and equal opportunity for participation in governance. Emphasizes the importance of a sense of political efficacy. Argues that wealthier children learn this at home, but children from poorer families need this experience…

Democracy is not a "machine that would go of itself," but according to this paper, must be consciously reproduced, one generation instructing the next in the knowledge and skills, as well as in the civic character and commitments required for its sustenance. This paper invites concerned citizens to join in a nation-wide discussion of…

Presents a critique of an article by Chuck Chamberlin arguing for a political action model of social studies instruction in elementary schools. Suggests 10 reasons why this approach may not be advisable. Argues that Chamberlin's suggestions lean heavily on a U.S. study that may not be relevant to Canadian society. (DK)

Student activity programs should be an integral part of education. Movements to limit student participation in activities by academic eligibility requirements do not take into account research that shows that the most consistent predictor of a person's life success is achievement in cocurricular activities.(MD)

Discusses the problem of ethnocentrism in the educational system of the United States. Suggests that knowledge needs to be redefined to reflect a multicultural view of the world rather than reflecting an "us against them" outlook. Argues that the humanities need to be decentered so that minority students are not alienated. (DK)

Disputes the case for educational reform based on discussions of developing productivity and citizenship in the populace. The author theorizes that the degradation (or deskilling) of work and politics has undermined the ideological rationale for the social need of a general education. General education only makes sense if it is seen as an end in…

Civics and social-studies educators worry that schools are neglecting to show the complex and difficult sides of democracy, including the importance of debate and dissent. Strategies to help young people grow into citizens include encouraging critical thinking, teaching students to understand other points of view, and linking service learning to…