Within the United States, education has long been valued as a means of fostering the growth and development of each person in order to realize the democratic ideals of freedom, equality, non-discrimination, and respect for the rights of all. In an increasingly globalized world and within the United States itself, this growth and development must…

Over recent years, the demands on urban school leaders have grown exponentially. Yet the consequences of taking on a more community-orientated role challenge the scope and practice of leadership. School leaders who are working to connect to communities may discover uncomfortable truths--criminal activities or extremism. This article is an…

In this article, the author states his belief that community based learning among adults can be a powerful force for encouraging personal development and for strengthening democracy in this multicultural, globally interdependent, battered world. To do so, however, it needs to pervade all the curricula, degree programs, learning contracts, and…

Describes the work of Harry S. Broudy and his impact on public education in the United States. Maintains that Broudy believed that universal values can be grounded in human nature. Presents Broudy's view that students in secondary grades should study the arts and humanities to acquire the values necessary for participatory citizenship. (CFR)

Argues that there are two types of values held by all individuals. Contends that "hard" values are exemplified by consistent behavior and sacrifice whereas "soft" values are merely illustrated by making choices. Calls for a national consensus on recommended values that would be taught in the schools. (CFR)

Challenges Christopher Ormell's contention that individual values should be categorized into "hard" and "soft" values. Suggests that a continuum exists between the two extremes representing the degree of difficulty and sacrifice. Recommends that values education in schools be based on a continuum ranging between the two…

"The Achiever" is a monthly publication for parents and community leaders. Each issue contains news and information about school improvement in the United States. Highlights of this issue include: (1) "Promising Gains" among Urban School Districts: Nation's Report Card Reveals Greatest Increases in Math; (2) Tying Names to…

Citizenship is an important part of the development of young people. By enabling them to learn about their rights and responsibilities, to understand how society works, and develop knowledge and understanding of social and political issues, citizenship prepares them for dealing with the challenges they face in life. Through citizenship, young…

Asserts that, as society moves into an electronic age, the examination of the historical role of printed materials is developing as a new field of study. Reports on a project that will examine the history of the book in the United States and its significance in shaping and mirroring U.S. democratic values. (CFR)

Draws distinctions between classical and modern concepts of democracy. Contrasts Pythagoras' dislike of factions with Madison's support for economic differentiation and religious toleration. Discusses Aristotle's and Noah Webster's ideas on addressing class tensions. Examines early U.S. theorists' suspicions of direct democracy and support for…

Discusses a Pennsylvania State University seminar program designed to help medical professionals explore aspects of medical treatment through readings in the humanities. Argues that the program is broader in vision and scope that other medical ethics courses. Suggests that the effort can refresh and deepen doctors' work with patients. (SG)

Describes currently active rural women's consciousness-raising group in eastern Nebraska, relating this group's experiences to a model of group development. Emphasizes group process and content evidenced as the group was established and passed through beginning, conflict, and cohesive stages of development. Relates changes in participants' values…

Democracy is more than a creed or a doctrine. It must be a continuing force in the daily thinking, working, and living of all our citizens. American schools and colleges can strengthen democracy by practicing it--by showing concretely the basic advantages it offers to human beings. It is in the homes and in the schools, in home towns and local…

New techniques have expanded the field of biotechnology and awarded scientists an unprecedented degree of control over the genetic constitutions of living things. The knowledge of DNA science is the basis for this burgeoning industry which may be a major force in human existence. Just as it is possible to move genetic material from one organism to…

Today there is a growing belief that everyone who wants access to college can have it. College enrollments have continued to grow for over half a century and now it can be argued that most American families dream of a college education for their children. A 2003 report by the Education Commission of the States (ECS) demonstrates there is a growing…