In the years either side of Federation in 1901, Australia's Irish Catholics balanced two often contradictory impulses: their determination to retain their cultural and religious links with Ireland in the face of an often unsympathetic Protestant majority, and the desire to become 'good' Australians in order to make 'a go' of their lives in the new…

In this article, the author investigates the controversial curricular and instructional aspects of teaching about Islam in social studies courses. Specifically, the author discusses pedagogically sound approaches to teaching about "jihad" and "Shari'ah" law, two of the most important and controversial concepts in Islam that often generate intense…

Planning for shared schooling in Northern Ireland requires a re-consideration of the decision-making processes that underpin the choices made by parents and a re-thinking of the nature and purpose of alternative modes of educating young people from the different communities together. The article provides evidence that demand for existing…

Guided by First Amendment principles, Americans must agree on a shared civic framework within which to negotiate our deepest differences. A painful first step is acknowledging public education's failure to find a constitutionally permissable, educationally sound role for religion in the schools. This situation has helped convince religious…

Discusses (1) the relationship between democratic values, religious beliefs, and religious prejudice; (2) legal issues; and (3) policy implications for educating students in a religiously diverse, democratic society. Outlines implications and practical suggestions for teacher educators and classroom teachers. Includes 25 endnotes. (MLH)

Decries educators' harsh criticism of Citizens for Excellence in Education (CEE), group of concerned parents determined to return academic excellence to public school classrooms and moral sanity to schools, in all subjects. Schools have short-circuited their traditional ties with parents and public. CEE is one of many well-intentioned parent…

Reasonable-sounding essays in the September 1999 "Kappan," advocating expansion of religion's influence in public education are fundamentally flawed by unstated assumptions and selective historical references. The wall of church/state separation is probably the best way to ensure religious freedom and protect both secular and religious…

As we think about current religious diversity and conflict in U.S. schools, it is important to note that religious conflict is not a new phenomenon in the history of U.S. schooling. This article briefly outlines the current and historical connections among religion, ethnicity, and K-12 education in the U.S. in order to note its persistence as well…

Discusses "Mozert v. Hawkins," pointing out four important factors in the case, and shows the reasonable and reasoned way the judge's final decision was made. (MD)

Discusses the controversy over teaching what religious fundamentalists and social conservatives consider secular humanism. Suggests that modern social studies does not support secular humanism even though they share epistemological and ethical assumptions (the use of the scientific method, intelligent reasoning). Provides suggestions for teachers…

Superintendents face a no-win proposition when confronting attempted school board takeovers by religious-fundamentalist candidates. Public political disagreement may be a legitimate ground for a superintendent's dismissal. The safest course is to work quietly behind the scenes and encourage others to question candidates' qualifications and…

Growing out of Northern Ireland's 1980s Peace Education Project (aimed at breaking down Protestant/Catholic barriers), the Education for Mutual Understanding initiative focuses first on helping schoolchildren deal with everyday conflicts in their lives. EMU uses conflict resolution and peer mediation to help schools organize into learning…

A Colorado school board member attempted to reach common ground on religious issues, following a board takeover by religious-right and back-to-basics candidates in 1993. First steps toward collaboration involved establishing personal relationships with clergy, suggesting a partnership, providing information, ensuring respect, and explaining legal…

This article examines conflicts occurring between health education with various students' cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds through the example of the religous teachings of Judaism. Suggestions for health educators are offered to prevent instruction from leading to conflict between home and school values. (Author/CB)

Reviews two court decisions relating to religion-based objections to public school instructional materials. Includes discussion of the issues involved in the court decisions as well as recommendations to schools about how to deal with such objections. (MD)