Emphasizes the power of storytelling, particularly heroic stories of virtue, in moral education. Provides a careful delineation of the differences between modern moral "fables" (a man contemplates stealing drugs for his dying wife) and classical stories involving heroes such as Ulysses and Galahad. (MJP)

Addresses some of the concerns surrounding the controversy of religion and public education. Finds some common ground in the ethical issues shared by character education and citizenship education and the nondenominational moral teachings in religious education. Outlines four broad strategies for maintaining productive community discussions. (MJP)

Explores the effects of deindustrialization and the shift to a postindustrial society on the hopes and dreams of urban high school students. Uses the concept of liminality to characterize urban environments as transitional intersections of socioeconomic change. Includes verbatim comments from urban youth about the efficacy of their future. (MJP)

Presents the conclusion of the analysis of the massive educational survey done in Moscow (Russia) in 1991. This section largely focuses on students' parents' and teachers' attitudes towards the relevance and benefits of education. Participants are identified by socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. (MJP)

Describes an intergenerational program in which children in an on-site child care facility interact with elderly long-term care patients. Discusses the positive effects of such interaction on both the children and the seniors. (HTH)

Profiles the process of South Africa's transformation into a democracy. Outlines the many characteristics of the transition from white to majority rule, such as the attempt to achieve catharsis and bury the apartheid past through a process of amnesty and reconciliation. Describes the remaining obstacles to that transition. (MJP)

Asserts that many Asian nations, in their drive to industrialize, have chosen national identity and economic development over the survival of their indigenous peoples. Utilizes case studies in Malaysia, India, and China to examine the divergence between macro- and microinterests illustrated by the egregious examples of these hydraulic projects.…

Legalized gambling is growing substantially and provides both a dilemma and an opportunity for those in the health promoting professions. Gambling represents a form of economic development and, for certain segments of society, improved health and quality of life. On the other hand, gambling is a known addiction, with a host of sociological…

In Latin America and the Caribbean, poverty is not merely a problem of marginalized communities. It is the situation in which 240 million people--50 percent of the population--are living. This report describes research undertaken by the Quality of Life Project, which aims to improve the situation of children in these disadvantaged communities. The…

This report is a summary of discussions in the fall and winter of 1989-90 in more than 1,700 community forums convened by civic and educational institutions in 47 states. Convenors included colleges and universities, churches, museums and libraries, and local civic and service organizations. The National Issues Forum is the largest ongoing effort…

These proceedings consist of 16 papers, some of which are followed by discussants' comments. They include: "Growing Older in a Rural Retirement Community" (Brokaw, Peters, Tripple; discussants Olson, Tucker; "An Interactive Computer Model for Achieving Personal Financial Goals" (Dilbeck, Hinds, Ulivi; discussants Burton, Peterson); "The Economics…

In view of the changing relationship between science, technology, and the quality of life, future efforts need to be devoted to the use of new knowledge for social objectives rather than for economics and defense. The mass of problems facing society today, which to some extent are direct side effects of technological growth, appear to have three…

The Western Wisconsin Communications Cooperative (WWCC) was established in 1973 to develop and implement a county-wide, multi-service, broadband, interactive, telecommunications system to enhance the quality of rural life. Eight school districts adopted the system's concept and signed a 15 year lease agreement with WWCC. Funds were procured from…

From 1950 to 1970, the shift from agriculture to industry dominated Ashe County, North Carolina, isolated on the Blue Ridge by rugged terrain and severe weather. Rural farm population declined by 2/3 but rural non-farm population tripled. Many new industries helped shift the bulk of the work force to industry. In 1950, 45% of the work force farmed…

This publication examines the contribution that arts and culture have to make, in ways that more formal education and social policy approaches struggle to achieve. It also explores the relationship between arts, culture, and lifelong learning, especially in overcoming social exclusion. It assumes that earning a living ought not to be calculated…