Considers the question of family policy in terms of "conventional-progressive" interest group perspectives. The conventional perspective is that "family problems" are the result of "breakdown" and can be resolved by reestablishing the status quo ante. Progressive advocates argue that changes in citizens'…

This article is an update and expansion of "Can We Still Sing Christmas Carols in Public Schools?" published in MEJ in November 1976. It is a report of a survey to determine whether any significant new guidelines were being developed on the issue of using sacred music in schools. (Editor/KC)

The informal curriculum centering on holidays in elementary education often ignores cultural and individual differences among students. School holiday celebrations may have serious consequences for the following dimensions of schooling: (1) aesthetic; (2) curricular; and (3) socio-emotional. Teachers can provide options for all students by making…

Relates the similar stories of Anne Hutchinson and Ann Hibbens, two religious dissenters in U.S. colonial history. Describes the background, role of sex discrimination, and the religious-judicial proceedings that caused both women to be convicted and jailed. Includes primary source readings from both trials. (CFR)

There is now remarkable agreement on religion's proper constitutional and educational place in public education. A 1995 statement issued by 24 religious and educational groups reaffirms Americans' commitment to First Amendment principles, envisioning civil public schools that neither inculcate nor inhibit religion. Sidebars list resources for…

Pakistan is an underdeveloped country, full of socio-economic problems where a few oppress and exploit many. One of the most significant reasons, in this context, is the high illiteracy rate in the country. However, can high literacy rates guarantee peace, prosperity, and justice in any society? Clearly, not. There are several countries where the…

This guidebook is built on the conviction that finding common ground on many divisive issues is possible within the civic framework provided by the Religious Liberty clauses of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It argues that there is a clearly defined constitutional difference between "teaching religion" to students and "teaching…

This paper presents findings of a longitudinal survey that gathered information on the number and types of challenges to curriculum and services in the California public schools. Data were collected from a questionnaire sent by the Board of Directors of the Educational Congress of California to every school-district superintendent in the state in…

This publication summarizes proceedings of a working group session convened to discuss ways to encourage efforts of colleges and universities to increase the sense of community on their campuses. It is noted that the sense of community has been diluted over the years due to the great diversity of students, both racial and cultural, that now…

The 10-chapter book presents a holistic approach to teaching religious and moral development emphasizing the essential unity of human nature and the convergence in recent years of religion and the science of psychology. Primarily a two-part psychological study, it discusses the varieties of religious experience and the role of emotion in human…

This "fastback" examines the U.S. Supreme Court decisions and a few lower court decisions concerning religion and education rendered in the 1980s, and for background purposes, it also includes some decisions prior to the 1980s. The first of four parts discusses cases pertaining to prayer and religious activities in school. Included in…

This publication, prepared for distribution at a seminar on current school problems, contains discussions of recent court cases, judicial opinions, and a bibliography. Topics include suspensions and expulsions, haircuts, students' rights, freedom of expression, prayers in schools, decentralization, and teachers' rights to negotiate. (LLR)

Asserts the Dutch educational systems' key feature is the principle that parents should be given the opportunity to organize and choose the kind of education they desire. Focuses on the role of the Dutch Social Democrats, the Groningen motion, and the outcome and intellectual foundation of publicly run Dutch schools. (KDR)

Reviews the activities of the New Christian Right (NCR) related to teaching evolution in the public schools. Describes the effects of legislation and court litigation on the NCR's efforts to eliminate secular humanism from textbooks. Provides an NCR definition of secular humanism. (LS)

This document contains four papers that address constitutional issues of religious diversity in the schools. The first paper, "Religious Diversity in the Schools--The Overview" (George J. Michel), provides an overview of religious diversity in American public schools, with a focus on the long history of cooperation with Christian churches. It…