Describes life on a Canadian Indian reserve and discusses the role of the community in individuals' lives. Examines reasons why Canadian Indian teachers want to teach on the reserves. Concludes that the opportunity to serve as role models and a commitment to the community are the major reasons for teaching in these schools. (CFR)

Asks the question: To what can teachers realistically expect students to be committed in the field of citizenship education when governments are consistently cutting back on their own involvement in public life? Concludes that principles of community and social justice remain valid and relevant to young people. (MJP)

Describes activities that can be adapted for students in elementary to high school grade levels that link teaching about local government to the concept of community and provide starting points for project ideas centering on the active involvement of students, teachers, and local government officials. (CMK)

Discusses activities, adaptable for elementary through high school levels, for learning about the people who work in local government and the programs local governments provide. Explains that the activities are useful starting points for project ideas that enlist the involvement of students, teachers, and local government officials. (CMK)

Draws on the author's experience and research to explore how strong ideological beliefs impact social studies teaching in religious schools. Suggests a concerted effort by teachers in religious schools, in particular Mennonite schools, to reflect the ethos of the school. Describes the experience of teaching in a religious school. (CMK)

Compares students' perceptions of democracy through two similar class activities presented in second- and twelfth-grade classes. Finds that both groups of students defined democracy within their own contexts and settings; one difference was that the older students' perceptions and the issues they dealt with were broader. (CMK)

Describes a lesson consisting of activities such as a mock town hall meeting, forming a lobby group, and attending a town hall meeting. Focuses on community-based issues and the role of citizens in bringing about change at the local level. (CMK)