The relationships among sex education, values education, and adolescent decision making are explored, and responsibilities of schools in these areas are projected. Examples of school programs that include the teaching of values in sex education are given along with suggestions for parent-school cooperation. (PP)

Current practices in programs that prepare teachers of sex education were surveyed. Of 322 institutions responding, 30 percent offered courses specifically designed for that purpose. However, most courses were broad and unfocused, indicating a lack of consensus about what sex education courses should cover. (PP)

Educators find themselves accused of teaching students the religion/philosophy of secular humanism. Considering the size and potential of the secular humanism controversy, it is most important that educators understand what they are being accused of teaching. Academic freedom is at stake. (Author/RC)

Presents the full text of Arkansas Act 590 (1981) requiring balanced treatment of creationism and evolution in public schools of this state. Includes, among others, requirements for balanced treatment, prohibition against religious instruction, requirements for nondiscrimination, definitions of "creation-science" and…

Examines proposition that creationism is legitimate science, including philosophical basis of that claim and methods used to discredit contemporary scientific thought. Discusses creationist's arguments against scientific findings related to second law of thermodynamics, improbability of evolution, earth's age, geological record, fossil transitions…

A science teacher relates his feelings as he discussed modern warfare with his sixth-grade students. The students' reactions to moral questions and issues behind civil defense procedures and radioactivity are also discussed. (FG)

Reviews the major points of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) challenge to the Arkansas bill "Unbiased Presentation of Creation Science and Evolution Science Bill." (SK)

Analyzes the current evolution/creationism controversy by reviewing court cases and what scientists and educators are doing to prevent creationism from being taught as science or included in school curricula. Includes viewpoints of scientists, educators, and creationists. (JN)

Examines the causes of student passivity in social studies classes. The need for more classroom discourse and free-flowing, critical inquiry into controversies is stressed. Strategies for improving classroom conditions to promote discourse are described. (AM)

The impacts of instructor gender and race on student evaluations of teaching effectiveness, particularly when courses contained controversial content, were studied with 190 undergraduates. No support was found for the hypothesis that students would rate women and minority instructors lower, but the same material was thought to be more…

Reflection on religious issues is an essential part of education. In secular colleges and universities, religious topics under study should be highlighted, with discussion, challenges, and critique encouraged, not dismissed or ignored. Faculty should openly express their convictions when relevant to the subject or a student's concern. Dialogue can…

Describes some research studies, contents of a videotape, students' discussion of nuclear power and other educational aspects of the topic. Ten references are listed. (YP)

Notes the current attempt to replace social studies with U.S. history and geography. Delineates the two strands of thought in the social studies reform movement and argues that there is a strong tradition of the social studies as a unified, issue-centered field of study. (SLM)

Reviews the history of social studies as an integrated, issue-centered field of study from its inception within the progressive movement to the present. Summarizes major curricular development projects within the issues-centered orientation and speculates on the decline of the problems approach in social studies education. (SLM)

Presents classroom activities that have been effectively used by teachers to sensitize students toward the complexities of life in rich and poor countries. Lists several guidelines for helping students learn about development. Sees development as a topic which can fit into a variety of curricula. (KO)