This paper uses the ideas of William James and John Dewey to buttresses an opposition to any effort to amend the United States Constitution to encourage or compel elementary and secondary school students to recite daily an oral prayer. The first section is a selection of the views of Dewey and James. The second section utilizes these ideas to…

A letter from Rod Paige, United States Secretary of Education, introduces a booklet which provides guidance to state educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), and the public on constitutionally protected prayer in U.S. public elementary and secondary schools. The guidance also sets forth and explains the responsibilities of…

This teacher's guide is intended to move beyond the confusion and conflict that has surrounded religion in public schools since the early days of the common school movement. For most of American public school history, extremes have shaped much of the debate. On one end of the spectrum are those who advocate promotion of religion (usually their…

Although the nation's founding documents do not refer explicitly to education, it would be wrong to regard that which is not explicitly articulated as unimportant. The documents themselves demonstrate the founders' trust in the importance of learning, and the "Federalist Papers" provide the basis for the national regard for education.…

This report, for the first time ever, provides a state-by-state breakdown of the key elements a policymaker needs in order to understand the legal environment for school choice in any given state--and to craft appropriate legislation to expand educational opportunity. This guide is intended to arm policymakers and advocates with the essential…

According to this document, citizens need to reaffirm their commitment to the guiding principles of the religious liberty clauses of the First Amendment to the Constitution. The rights and the responsibilities of the religious liberty clauses provide the civic framework within which individuals are able to debate differences, to understand one…

Jefferson Meetings were developed in 1984 to provide an innovative way to teach students an understanding of the United States Constitution. Describes how to organize such an event. (MD)

The celebration of the bicentennial of the United States Constitution will begin Fall 1987 and last until 1991. Outlines the national programs, exhibitions and festivals, and curriculum materials available for educators on the bicentennial. (MD)

States that the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution, celebrated between 1987 and 1991, provides opportunities for the social studies curriculum. Discusses the need for increased knowledge of the Constitution and presents an approach to better understanding. (GEA)

Displays the essays and poetry of the first-place winners of the first Michigan Social Studies Olympiad, a competition for fourth through twelfth grade students which had as its theme the celebration of the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution and Michigan's sesquicentennial. (JDH)

Outlines the complicated constitutional system on which our country is based. Reviews the system of checks and balances, the judiciary system, and the political system and how they have worked to ensure that the government represents the will of the people. (MD)

Identifies ten publications, available from ERIC/ChESS, which can be useful in teaching about the U.S. Constitution. Among the suggested works are the book EDUCATION ON THE CONSTITUTION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS: TEACHING STRATEGIES AND MATERIALS FOR THE BICENTENNIAL AND BEYOND, and journal articles such as "Resources for Teaching about the U.S.…

Suggests that the Supreme Court's Santa Fe v. Doe decision (involving voluntary, student-led prayer at high school football games) was erroneous. Concludes that the Supreme Court's jurisprudence in this area has effectively expunged religion from the public square, particularly public schools, by writing into the Constitution a strict wall between…

Identifies five great ideas of the U.S. Constitution as power, liberty, justice, equality, and property. The first of two installments, article focuses on how ideas of power and liberty are presented in the Constitution. It also discusses how people may exercise power through voting and public protest and liberty through their First Amendment…

This First Amendment Guide promotes a model of religious fairness and respect. Public schools should protect the religious-liberty rights of students of all faiths or none. Curriculum should include study about religion as an important part of a complete education. The advice offered in this guide draws on shared vision and relies on recent…