The first part of this document presents an overview of a ninth grade social studies course. Included is a brief description of the five-unit course, a note to teachers about course content, a suggested time schedule, a comment on teaching controversial issues, a rationale and major goals of the course. The second part contains a unit on…

This paper examines issues concerning educational finance in the Washington, D.C. public schools according to three measures of adequacy: city budget, per pupil expenditures, and teacher-student ratio. The issues are discussed in the context of historical, social, and political developments (the change from Federal control over the school district…

This is the record of a series of Congressional subcommittee hearings on the progress, problems, and effectiveness of desegregation efforts in public schools. Included are statements and testimonies of educators, social scientists, legal scholars, public officials, and parents on the relative advantages and disadvantages of various desegregation…

Eight papers from a one-day conference for lawyers, judges, and policy-makers discuss the effects on intergovernmental relations of the emerging body of laws, regulations, and court decisions governing federal grants and their recipients. The expanding importance of federal grants, notes an introduction to the papers, has meant both less leeway…

During the summer of 1978 the College Board sponsored a series of six seminars throughout the United States to provide a forum for discussion of the Supreme Court's decision on the case of Regents of the University of California v. Allan Bakke. The first section of this report summarizes the discussions in the seminars, outlining the salient…

Legal issues confronting religiously-affiliated colleges and other nonprofit institutions are discussed in this study prepared by the Center for Constitutional Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Legal and structural relationships between colleges and religious bodies that are discussed include: governing documents, governing boards,…

In reviewing statistics of the racial patterns in the recent history of the Cleveland public school system, as well as all of the evidence included in the voluminous record in this case, the District Court for the Northern District of Ohio sought an answer to a single question of constitutional law: to what extent, if any, were the defendants in…

This handbook for elementary and secondary school principals contains several chapters on topics important to building level administrators. Each chapter summarizes relevant state and federal court decisions and statutes, concluding with recommendations for practice. The handbook is divided into four sections: students and the law, special…

Describes a six-week study unit that requires students to examine specific aspects of the Iran-Contra affair in light of models such as presidential leadership style. The combination of a case study, student-centered cooperative learning, and writing across the curriculum proved popular with both the students and teacher. (MJP)

Presents seven brief articles on legal issues concerning young people. Addresses such topics as curfews, teen smoking, dress codes, and child labor. Some articles are student-written while others profile student activity. Student authors include Mike Michaud, Danny Rosen, Carrie Kendrick, and William Hansen. (MJP)

Examines the legal and moral issues, controversies, and unique trial procedures involved with the death penalty. Discusses the 1972 landmark Supreme Court decision that resulted in many states abolishing this punishment, only to reintroduce it later with different provisions. Reviews the controversial case of Sam Sheppard. (MJP)

Considers the broad range of jobs in law enforcement, the courts, and the correctional systems. Discusses the various paths of education and training leading to these jobs, the most preeminent being law school. Considers opportunities in growing fields such as international criminal law. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan that teaches students to identify and examine the First Amendment as it applies to school-related issues. Procedures include researching a specific case and role playing its participants, followed by a discussion and written analysis. Includes three recent Supreme Court cases. (MJP)

Presents opposing viewpoints on federalism and state sovereignty. Charles J. Cooper argues for states powers based on a constructionist interpretation of the constitution. Herman Schwartz maintains that the national economy is so tightly intertwined, and the protection of civil liberties is too great to leave these functions to the states. (MJP)

Reaffirms the importance of civic education and active learning about the Bill of Rights and attendant civic responsibilities. Identifies four categories of knowledge deficiencies about the Bill of Rights. Explores four key ways to improve teaching and learning about the Bill of Rights. Stresses connections between civic knowledge and the vitality…