A recent report from the Democracy Project found that "confidence in our governing institutions has been weakening over many years, and key pillars of our democracy, including the rule of law and freedom of the press, are under strain." In the recently published book "The People vs. Democracy: Why Our Freedom Is in Danger and How to…

The forceful induction of children as child soldiers is an abhorrent violation of human rights. It is very disturbing that while many children are forcibly recruited into armed conflicts, others actually volunteer, due to their nightmarish alternatives. Although the practice has recently gained worldwide attention, awareness alone will not end the…

This NCSS position statement is intended for all audiences who are committed to preparing students for active and engaged citizenship in the 21st century. This includes the general public, the elementary, middle, and high school communities, social studies supervisors and directors, higher education, and all educators, pre-Kindergarten through…

Throughout the world, today's students are being characterized as digital natives, the "net generation." This twenty-first-century student cohort is adept at multi-tasking and at using a variety of tools and resources including electronic search engines, blogs, wikis, visual images, videos, gaming platforms, and social networking.…

Introduces the articles in this issue, and reports five critical needs required to strengthen global studies in our schools. The needs are: (1) adoption of state and local policies; (2) encouragement of local curriculum development; (3) better teacher training; (4) bringing global studies into the educational mainstream; and (5) establishment of…

Discussion of elementary global education covers (1) the definition and meaning of global education and (2) its objectives to achieve student competence in perceiving individual involvement, making decisions, making judgments, and exercising influence. (ND)

Provides an introduction to the global education and textbook theme articles in this issue, giving special attention to the National Council for the Social Studies curriculum guidelines. Reviews literature on international political socialization and textbook content and draws implications for achieving a more positive and accurate global…

Discusses the issue of citizenship attitude in the Caribbean. Suggests that attention needs to be paid to the problems of development and the relationship between the industrialized and nonindustrialized world. Advocates an increased knowledge base as a means of changing attitudes. Recommends a number of approaches to education. (KO)

Presents a lesson plan which analyzes and discusses the U.S. Constitution in relation to the constitutions of other countries. States that this international approach offers a deeper understanding of the document and promotes a greater appreciation of it as students examine the values that underlie their rights and responsibilities. (GEA)

Reviews difficulties publishers have in adequately representing world regions. Recommends that teachers: (1) use textbooks analytically, (2) provide alternative perspectives, (3) use supplementary materials, (4) incorporate analysis of mass media, (5) take advantage of local resources, and (6) continuously examine and modify their social studies…

Reviews world conditions which support the development of a new, global "manifest destiny" for the United States. Lists five major threats to international security, in addition to positive signs of cooperation. Concludes with seven "attitudinal learnings" for American students, and are the hallmarks of future global leaders. (JDH)

Provides a four-part framework for thinking about the content of global education. The elements are the study of: (1) diverse human values; (2) global economic, political, ecological, and technological systems; (3) global problems and issues; and (4) the history of contact and interdependence among peoples, cultures, and nations. (JDH)

Provides a comprehensive listing of print and audio-visual resources for developing a global studies program. Included are elementary and secondary instructional units, activities, maps, computer software, multimedia packages, and curriculum guides. (JDH)

Describes problems with present day schooling and ineffective attempts to improve it. Links societal goals and requisite learning. Describes a fundamental educational reconstruction which would place the individual learner at the center of a balanced, comprehensive curriculum aimed at creating future world citizens. (JDH)

Discusses the meaning and objectives of global education and presents recommendations for expanding the global dimension of the K-12 social studies curriculum. Cultural diversity and interdependence should be emphasized to prepare students to become effective participants in future world affairs (AM).