Online activism is a space of opportunity for students to encounter social justice issues, explore the possibilities of visual rhetoric, practice persuasive speaking skills, and actively contribute to the momentum of social movements. At the same time, digital activism raises concerns about "slacktivism," limiting the necessary…

Educators often bemoan the so-called learning gap that followed the upheaval to schooling in 2020, but the real learning gap will occur if the watershed events and social shifts of the early 2020s are not integrated into school instruction and learning. For today's learning to be relevant to today's students, it must reflect their lives and the…

"You, Me and Diversity" offers teachers and student teachers approaches for teaching children about development education and promoting intercultural understanding through carefully selected picturebooks. Research by the United Kingdom Literacy Association in 2007 found that few teachers are aware of such books. They feel unable to…

Photography is a powerful medium with which to explore social issues and concerns through the intersection of artistic form and concept. Through the discussions of images and suggested activities, students will understand various ways photographers have documented and addressed racism and discrimination. This Instructional Resource presents a…

Teaching for economic justice can be challenging for upper elementary and middle school teachers. Many teachers may feel uncomfortable with the subject matter and thus avoid addressing sensitive social issues related to economic/financial inequities. This article describes how selected songs and works of visual art, expressions of social protest…

Written in an engaging style, this comprehensive text prepares K-12 teachers to address a wide range of contemporary social issues--such as violence, gender, war, terrorism, child labor, censorship, and disabilities--through multicultural children's literature. Each chapter includes sample lessons plans designed to encourage critical and creative…

Designed to serve as a framework from which high school debate students, coaches, and judges can evaluate the issues, arguments, and evidence present in sustaining and reforming the U.S. justice system, this booklet provides debaters with guidelines for research on the 1983-84 debate resolutions selected by the National University Continuing…

Describes the use of social justice notebooks by a seventh/eighth-grade social studies teacher. Discusses the process of notebook writing and how these notebooks have improved students' thinking skills as well as class discussion as students engage with moral dilemmas. (SR)

Offers 10 creative approaches for involving youth (and adults) in social justice, focusing on expanding awareness; justice support groups; advocacy; supporting change/activist groups promotionally, financially, or in tasks; lifestyle change; direct service; immersion experiences; career decisions; mentoring; and development of spirituality. (DMM)

Describes how elementary school teachers can develop service learning projects that educate for social justice in order to promote change as opposed to charity. Provides examples of how charitable projects can be changed into social justice projects. Discusses how service learning projects can be done without leaving the school grounds. (CMK)

Discusses the adaptation of an English lesson to develop its potential for economic awareness. Presents a role play for students that deals with a fictitious teenager appearing before juvenile court. Emphasizes importance of allowing students to explore the economic aspects of social problems while developing English skills. Explores both social…

Presents a sample introductory lesson on the concept of equal protection, differential treatment under law, and legal tests for determining when differential treatment violates the Equal Protection Clause. Recommends using a poster depicting segregated water fountains and contrasting it with the Declaration of Independence to discuss the doctrine…

Describes two activities designed to introduce students in grades 5-9 to the topics of juvenile delinquency and juvenile justice. The first uses a continuum and ranking exercise to assess student positions on topics and the second uses case studies and a court role-playing exercise to present actual court litigation. (GEA)

The guide is designed for a one-semester high school course focusing on American problems. Objectives are to help students develop a practical understanding of the law, acquire an appreciation of the principles of our laws, and participate in the legal system. The guide is arranged in three major units. Following a course outline and list of…

This teacher's curriculum guide is designed to help high school teachers guide students to develop a better understanding of difficult issues raised by questions of justice. It is hoped that the ideas, observations, questions, and procedures students learn in the curriculum will help them to make informed decisions about how to promote justice and…