Explores ties between contemporary social issues and Supreme Court decisions during four periods. Considers Meyer v. Nebraska (1923), Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925), Central School District v. Allen (1968), Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971), Wallace v. Jaffree (1985), Aguilar v. Felton (1985), and other decisions. (DMM)

Presents initial findings of a study of the cultural differences of Southern Catholics, who have adapted their denominational culture to a broader Southern context. Discusses the ways Southern Catholics cope as a minority, influences on family life, the impact of church teaching, the involvement of clergy in informal social gatherings,…

Highlights some powerful societal trends -- economic, sociological, political, and educational -- which may, in the coming decades, make the values and environment offered by Catholic and other private schools more attractive. (Author/SJL)

Discusses the influence of mass media depictions of violence on children and provides suggestions for media literacy education. Calls for reducing children's exposure to media violence; changing the impact of violent images; stressing alternatives to violence for resolving conflicts; challenging the social supports for media violence; and…

Reflects on areas influencing child formation most: home-based activities, school, and the children's social world and their interaction within the community. Explains how parents can establish and teach the primary values that coincide with each of these areas of child development. (VWC)

Discusses a study conducted at two Catholic high schools to identify the factors which, according to student perceptions, create a concern for others during high school. Examines students' views about "caring," influences on their development, self-perceptions, and knowledge of social issues. Identifies cultural/social diversity as significant…

Argues that the need for black studies is as great as ever; that all students, especially whites, need to study the black experience; and that several persistent social realities underpin this need. Suggests a combination of actual, vicarious, and simulated experiences to comprise a black studies program for whites. (DMM)

Highlights the importance of using music, multimedia, video, and computers to enrich and enhance religious education, and of integrating media education into faith formation. Suggests that media literacy plays an important role in increasing awareness of the influence of mass media on society. (DJM)

Postmodern social changes, ways these changes have contributed to the assumption of additional child-rearing functions by schools, and the modeling role of Catholic and other religious schools are discussed. Controversies in secular and religious schools arise from the transition from modern to postmodern values, not from parents'/schools' bad…