People often think that power only flows downhill in school. The author draws on his own research observations, as well as the philosophy of Michel Foucault, to offer more nuanced insights. He explains that power is not a "thing" people can possess and that it flows in multiple directions, forming a web of influence. These insights…

The 2016 presidential campaign and its aftermath have underscored the extreme polarization of the electorate, the dismissal of people with opposing views, and the widespread acceptance and circulation of one-sided and factually erroneous information. In addition, only a small proportion of those who are eligible actually vote, and a declining…

On September 17, 2013 (Constitution Day), the C3 Framework was released under the title "The College, Career and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards: Guidance for Enhancing the Rigor of K-12 Civics, Economics, Geography, and History." The C3 Project Director and lead writer was NCSS member Kathy Swan, who is…

Many have suggested that issues of democracy are fundamentally related to school curricula and contexts (Conant, 1948; Dewey, 1944; Dimitriadis and Carlson, 2003; West, 2004). Current social theorists have suggested that a globalized social, economic, and cultural structure has necessitated a rethinking of the relationships between individuals,…

This paper examines implicit curricula which consist of the messages imparted by the classroom and school environment. Among the outcomes that have been attributed to implicit curricula are individual and societal effects that foster conformity to national ideals and social conventions while maintaining socioeconomic and cultural inequalities.…

"Children's Choices," a project of a joint committee supported by the International Reading Association (IRA) and the Children's Book Council, is published annually in "The Reading Teacher." Books recommended by children are grouped by levels: Beginning Reader (ages 5-7); Young Readers (ages 8-10); and Advanced Readers (ages…

Because man and nature are inextricable entities sharing the common lifespace of earth, there is an urgent need to create cooperative living habitats on a global scale. Cooperative living habitats (CLHs) are settings in which man and nature coexist and prosper. In order to create and maintain CLHs, human beings must be nature sensitive and culture…

Articulates a generalized vision of school reform focusing on student empowerment and learner-controlled instruction. Recommends treating students with respect and dignity as well as encouraging personal development and self-discipline. Envisions a school where individual development is more important than rote learning and arbitrary rules. (MJP)

Maintains that students can be taught antiprejudicial thinking by infusing their school experience with critical thinking about knowledge and life. Lists ten attitudes considered essential to the development of critical thinking and reviews classroom characteristics which support prejudice reduction. (JDH)

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…

Through the use of newspapers in a micro-society classroom, students begin to understand: (1) the forces which shape communities; (2) the contributions of newspapers in recording community experiences; and (3) the role students can play in shaping their communities. Activities for each section of the newspaper are suggested. (CS)

Argues that (1) understanding of the ways in which children think about the political aspects of their lives has been limited by functionalist views of schooling and positivist research paradigms; and (2) research should focus on ways children appropriate information from their experiences and use it to construct personal political realities.…

Threats to the freedom to teach and to learn are examined; what can be done to counter these threats is discussed. The threats or problems are of two kinds: (1) internal, i.e., self-censorship of professional educators; and (2) external pressure from individuals and groups outside the schools, e.g., book banning. (RM)

Intended for students in grades 10-11, this lesson plan outlines a world history lesson that focuses on Baghdad in the Classical Era (AD 762-1258). The lesson plan states a purpose; cites educational objectives; delineates step-by-step procedures for classroom implementation; suggests various exercises (such as brainstorming, map activity, guided…

Urban environmental education focuses on more than the natural environment. The built and social/political/ economic environments also demand constant observation, analysis, and evaluation. Educators should use urban-oriented professionals as sources of information and help. (BW)