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expansion of religion's influence in public education are fundamentally flawed by unstated assumptions and selective historical references.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…

Describes one secondary educator's experiences teaching in Belfast, Northern Ireland, noting differences in education practice between Northern Ireland and the United States. The article highlights the pastoral system (in which teachers monitor students' welfare), the national curriculum, and changing schools (schools are beginning to try an…

This article reports on a lawsuit filed by Michael A. Newdow, a California atheist, on behalf of his daughter, against inclusion of the words "under God" in public schools' recitals of the United States Pledge of Allegiance. He said that the words "under God" represent "religious dogma" that is needlessly divisive.…

This article reports on the fiery California atheist who lost his bid at the U.S. Supreme Court to get "under God" stricken from the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Michael A. Newdow, an emergency-room physician with a law degree who represented himself before the Supreme Court in the high-profile case against the Elk Grove, California, school…

An appreciation of the religious milieu of the John Peter Zenger libel case of 1735 can help explain the nature of the Zenger defense as prepared by Alexander Hamilton, the meaning of the jury's verdict, and the ambiguous legacy of the trial for freedom of expression in the United States. In essence, the case was a disputation on "truth"…

Textbook censorship cases from Tennessee and Alabama have been brought before the U.S. Supreme Court. In east Tennessee, fundamentalist families objected to a 1983 Holt, Rinehart, and Winston reading series for grades 1-8. Federal District Judge Thomas G. Hull held that Hawkins County Schools had violated the families' First Amendment rights and…

Advocates students being afforded the same privilege and extended the same opportunity to attain spiritual development as they are given in other areas related to student development in college. Suggests offering prayers by persons in their own traditions at major college events. Claims risk of offending worth benefit of celebrating a spiritual…

Discusses the impact of writing on culture, especially the psychosocial consequences of literacy as a "technology of the intellect." Describes the role played by writing in both a slave revolt in nineteenth century Brazil and a preliterate African culture. Argues that "literacy" serves too many functions to be used as an…

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)

Argues that grammar and secondary schools did not suffer greatly during the period immediately after the restoration of the English monarchy in 1660. The author provides figures to show that, contrary to popular opinion, few dissenting teachers were dismissed during that period. (JF)

The problem of separation of church and state is discussed. Opposition is presented for giving equal space in science textbooks for various theories concerning religious aspects of evolution. (DF)

Unanswered questions'' regarding the Wisconsin vs. Yoder case: the extent of the ruling's application to other groups, and the rights of the children involved. (SP)

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…