Recent polls have shown that the more education a person has, the less likely he or she is to be proud to be an American. What school children learn today about their country and political system may leave them confused and lacking conviction. Much of this change to neutrality in citizenship education regarding political systems spills over from…

This monograph contains five papers concerning political education in Canada. Chapter 1, "Political Education and the Teaching of Politics," considers the historical and philosophical connections between education and politics. Chapter 2, "Civics, Citizenship and Politics: Political Education in the Schools," explores…

A study assessed the impact of different kinds of school management techniques on the development of political attitudes among students. The hypothesis was that students in schools which encourage student participation in decision-making will reflect higher levels of political interest, trust, and confidence. It was confirmed. (Author/DB)

Examines the challenges the new immigration presents to the public schools. Offers successful responses to these challenges and identifies positive contributions which may result from recent immigration trends. (JDH)

Nearly every college mission statement expresses the desire to educate students who not only have mastered a body of academic knowledge and skills but also will be responsible and engaged citizens. However, it is not clear how well colleges are achieving these traditional civic and democratic goals. The Carnegie Foundation conducted a 3-year study…

This paper seeks to provide an overview of theoretical concepts of civic education and citizenship. The paper discusses recent comparative education research on political socialization and its implications for future research, such as in not fully democratic countries like Malaysia. Based on a literature review and prior research in the region,…

Focuses on the relationship between the political ideals of China, as expressed in the ideology of Mao Tse-tung, and the Chinese educational system. Reviews trends in education since 1976--particularly the training of experts and elevation of academic values above political goals. (Author/DB)

Traces the legal history of the school flag movement and efforts of religious groups to have the mandatory salute abolished. Suggests that schools must educate students for true citizenship and what it means to live in a democracy. Argues that the flag should be a symbol of freedom rather than the object of empty pledges. (DK)

Describes a study of 14 fifth graders concerning their understanding and attitudes toward the Persian Gulf War. Finds that the public school served as a significant socialization agent during the war, although television was even more important. Concludes that patriotic issues and activities overshadowed any attempts to have students think…

Civic education and its call for social studies to prepare students for citizenship in a participatory democracy have been limited to the political domain and touted as participation with the already existing political domain. This paper is a reflection of how engaging with and challenging heterosexism, homophobia, and heteronormativity in a…

Recognizing the value of studying U.S. history and the contribution of the textbook to the curriculum, Gagnon examines five leading U.S. history textbooks with regard to two questions: (1) how helpful are these books for teaching democracy's ideas, practices, and adventures in the United States, and (2) what might they add to promote political…

Provides a brief historical and conceptual background for understanding the challenges which the "new" immigration places on traditional approaches to social/political/civic education. Includes summaries of other articles on immigration in this issue. (JDH)

Reviews the history of Chinese immigration to the United States and provides a facsimilie of a form used to document immigrants under the Chinese Exclusion Act. Teaching suggestions are included. (JDH)

Comparative education can contribute to democratization by addressing four issues: declining democratic practice and civic participation in the industrialized world, reasons why education does not resolve this problem, impact of economic globalization on education and on democratization, and the urgency for comparative research on cultural…

Shows how clerico-fascist regime, which came to power in Austria in 1933-34, placed emphasis on character formation as a primary aspect of schooling. Maintains that the goal was to educate youth by using public education for indoctrination, following methods of Italian Fascists and German National Socialists. Analyzes how they reorganized the…