The author of this article states that, for more than 20 years, public educators have developed a professional inferiority complex and a strong sense of hopelessness. After all, he claims, the dominant message over those years, including from some within the profession, has been that educators have caused the declining quality in public schools.…

Considers child care as a political issue and examines the positions of 1988 presidential candidates on child care. Discusses whether concern over the issue of child care is good politics and suggests that readers write to candidates and elicit their positions on child care. (RWB)

These C-SPAN lesson plans focus on U.S. presidential campaign 2000 events. The six lesson plans are titled, as follows: (1) "Campaign Overview"; (2) "Campaign Kickoffs"; (3) "Primary Caucuses"; (4) "National Conventions"; (5) "General Election: Presidential Debates"; and (6) "General Election:…

Presents a lesson for teaching about the development of political party platforms dealing with American Indian issues. Explains that, although Indians are part of the electorate and sometimes hold political office, Indian issues are included in political platforms rarely if ever. Includes a list of contemporary issues to be used for discussion.…

Describes a U.S. teacher's observations of the first election in newly reunified Germany in 1990. Discusses the political parties, the public's attitude, political advertising, and student and citizen reaction. Reports concerns over the electoral gains of former communists and setbacks for the Green party. (DK)

This C-SPAN guide helps teachers and students follow the presidential campaign process from September 1999 through January 2001. The guide features five components of a U.S. presidential campaign: (1) "Campaign Overview"; (2) "Campaign Kickoffs"; (3) "Primaries/Caucuses"; (4) "National Conventions"; and (5)…

These C-SPAN lesson plans focus on U.S. presidential campaign 2000 topics. The broad divisions for the 11 lesson plans are: (1) "Roles of the Media--Spin"; (2) "Roles of the Media--Polls"; (3) "Fundraising: Early Money"; (4) "Campaign Advertising: Language of Advertising"; (5) "Campaign Advertising:…

In this lesson plan, students are assigned a member of the California Assembly to research and a political faction to represent. Students examine representative bills voted on by the California Assembly to determine if their member's voting record coincides with the views of their political faction. Ultimately, students must decide whether, and…

Presents a secondary school lesson on cumulative voting in political elections. Encourages students to recognize the controversial nature of linking cultural diversity and voting rights. Includes learning objectives, step-by-step instructional procedures, and a student handout. (CFR)

This issue of "Media & Values" explores the growing influence of mass media on the election process in the United States. The essays present various interpretations of that influence and the implications for the nation. The magazine is divided into three sections. The introductory section includes: (1) "Where Have All the Leaders Gone?" (Daniel…

Describes how cumulative voting works in corporations, where stockholders voting for boards of directors can split their votes among the number of shares they own. Maintains that this approach is being proposed in political elections as a means to provide minority representation. Presents an example of the procedure. (CFR)

This annotated bibliography directs instructors and students to several sources of information about U.S. presidential candidates, both current and historical The bibliography uses resources available through the University of Rhode Island Library, but the sources given should be available through most local public and school libraries. Topics…

The necessity for candidates for public office to gather money in order to mount effective campaigns has raised concerns that campaign contributions may give some individuals and groups improper influence on the selection of public officials and the making of public policy. Part of this concern stems from the pluralist theory that maintains that…

This manual guides K-12 teachers through a two-week study of the election process in Indiana culminating in a school-based election. Election procedure is followed from voter registration through election returns. Indiana law mandates the study of elections during election years; this manual was created to facilitate the process. Grade levels and…

Presents a learning activity calling upon students to choose the best candidate for U.S. President. Requires students to examine the qualifications for the position, brainstorm and discuss additional qualifications, study the backgrounds of potential candidates, choose candidates, and defend choices. Includes references and the backgrounds of…