The authors take issue with the Shermis and Barth position that indoctrination in American education is wrong (Social Education, March 1985), arguing that they have misunderstood the issue and that the imposition of certain democratic values and processes does not conflict with the goals of reflective inquiry. (RM)

This document discusses the framework for civic education in Estonia. Objectives of civic education in Estonia come from the traditional beliefs of Estonian society, the new demands of social change, standards established by the Council of Europe, and experiences of neighboring countries. The main objective of civic education is to teach a new…

This book argues that rather than pursuing a debate defined by controversy over who should be taught, what should be taught, and how it should be paid for, Americans must address education for what it is: the well-spring of democracy in the United States. Education must emphasize democracy as much as it does the pursuit of excellence. By doing…

Argues that overreliance on standardized tests contributes to the deterioration of educational standards, teacher passivity, and lack of student involvement in academic studies, thus undermining democratic education; lists several alternatives to standardized testing. (MCG)

The primary goal of social studies is education for political citizenship. Democratic values is the most important type of content to be included in the social studies program of the middle grades. (RM)

Discusses the new emphasis of the section on values in the 1981 "California History/Social Science Framework." The development of a personal value system and the study, understanding, and appreciation of the values of others is seen as the basis of American citizenship. (AM)

Although Congress now recognizes education as central to America's economic standing, education should also be supported to sustain democracy. Scholar R. Freeman Butts argues that civic learning is education's "prime purpose." Administrators should work to instill commitment to the common good so that America continues to select rational, humane…

Discusses the education for citizenship program that is part of the National Curriculum in Great Britain. Maintains that citizenship can be interpreted in a minimal, or formal way or in a maximal, or more personal fashion. Calls for a national debate to define more clearly the meaning of citizenship. (CFR)

This social studies curriculum guide for grades K-12 contains 10 sections: (1) School board policy and philosophy; (2) Philosophy implementation guidelines; (3) Program level objectives; (4) Responsibility for social studies curriculum; (5) Multicultural/multiethnic graphic; (6) General exit outcomes; (7) Social studies skills; (8) Seven essential…

This teacher's guide is part of a media package that also includes 5 video dramas, a 2 CD-ROM set, and a set of 30 student resource portfolios. The teacher's guide contains a semester of learning activities; the five video dramas use real-life situations to illustrate and teach civic events; the student resource portfolios have more than 40…

A discussion of literature in critical thinking and education for democracy promotes critical thinking as one of the most reasonable educational tools to prepare students for participation in a democracy. The theories of Amy Gutmann, Jurgen Habermas, and Matthew Lipman offer insights into the various approaches to critical thinking and education…

This social studies curriculum guide for grade 2 in the Metropolitan School District of Warren Township, Indiana, contains 10 sections: (1) School board policy and philosophy; (2) Philosophy implementation guidelines; (3) Program level objectives; (4) Responsibility for social studies curriculum; (5) Multicultural/multiethnic graphic; (6) General…

A human rights thread is an essential part of the social studies curriculum for (1) developing citizens with a global perspective; (2) fostering social studies goals in the areas of knowledge, abilities, valuing, and social participation; and (3) contributing to the development of democratic attitudes. (RM)

Presents several activities for elementary social studies instruction about laws. Encourages linking the abstract concepts, "laws," to the more familiar, "rules." Focuses on justice and fairness. Lists references for additional ideas on incorporating law-related activities into social studies curricula. Includes list of objectives, stressing the…

Maintains that parents are likely to have negative attitudes about cooperative learning. Asserts that social studies can be achieved more effectively using cooperative learning methodology. Includes a sample letter to parents explaining the rationale and operation of cooperative learning in the social studies classroom. (CFR)