This document, which is based on information gathered during a 1998 study of how study circle programs contribute to community problem solving, presents best practices for producing community-wide study circles. The best practices are illustrated through stories that are grouped into five sections on the following themes: (1) creating a…

Describes how Oyster Bilingual School's (Washington, DC) two-way Spanish-English language plan functions in its sociopolitical context. It is noted that this plan is part of a larger identity plan aiming to promote social change by socializing children differently from the way they are socialized in mainstream US educational discourse. (46…

Castigates the supposed "knowledge-based economy" as simply a public relations smokescreen covering up the free market exploitation of people and resources serving corporate interests. Discusses the many ways that private industry, often with government collusion, has controlled or denied dissemination of information to serve its own interests.…

Maintains that a paramount task of religious education is to expose and redress social injustice. Identifies two of the most pervasive problems as sexism and racism. Argues that, because of their theological authenticity and influence, religious educators are in a unique position to effect social change. (MJP)

Analyzes how corruption is linked to scandalization in the traditions of European countries and how this has helped shape contemporary perceptions. Compares and contrasts levels of tolerance and manifestations of corruption. Includes a table of nations ranked on reputation for corrupt public services. (MJP)

Provides an overview of political corruption and its place in Japanese culture and society. Discusses recent scandals and efforts at political reform. These efforts are moving Japan from a "boss-patronage" system to a "civic-culture." Includes a table of post-war Japanese prime ministers and corruption scandals. (MJP)

Analyzes Latin American educational research phases--the artisan and industrial. During the artisan phase (1950s-early 1970s), university scholars conducted isolated projects with limited access to information. Research centers, government supports, and information networks characterize the industrial period (post-mid 1970s). Argues information…

Maintains that, although a few Native American women figure prominently in U.S. history, women's perspectives and experiences have largely been excluded from research into Native American history. Reviews life experiences and contributions of Native American women throughout U.S. history. (CFR)

Describes Namibian educational history from 1890 to the present. Discusses the political and military struggle for independence and the challenges of building an educational system consistent with democratic values. (CFR)

Maintains that efforts aimed at the development of a European dimension to the general education curriculum offered in individual nations' schooling have increased in recent years. Asserts that the immediate goal is to provide young people with opportunities beyond their national borders. (CFR)

Challenges the prevailing Western approach to education by asserting that several Asian nations have and are developing a distinctive approach to human resource development. Describes characteristics of this approach and contrasts it to the Western model. (CFR)

Explores approaches to art-making, art criticism, and aesthetics as applied to conceptual art. Describes a one-day workshop with gifted secondary students to analyze socially critical art. Illustrates how artworks initially classified as provocative or prohibitive in the classroom can become more comprehensible to students. (CFR)

Analyzes kibbutz adolescents' behavior at four biographical stages: voluntary community service, military service, leave of absence from the kibbutz, and higher education. Determines a distinct association between the socializing agents in the kibbutz and the development of democratic values. (MJP)

Contends that this is an exciting and troubling time for historians. Discusses changes in historiography in recent years, particularly in relation to the historical role of minority groups and women. Outlines changing concepts of slavery, liberty, and freedom in U.S. history. (CFR)

Reports on a 1993 study tour of Vietnam by educators. Discusses the role of a secondary school during the struggle against French colonialism and the U.S.-Vietnam War. Argues that educators must acknowledge the humanity of the Vietnamese as the first step in designing Vietnam-related social studies curriculum. (CFR)