Despite legal protections since the 1960's, racism remains a serious problem for society and for schools. Physical attacks on minorities, racial clashes in schools, redlining, and stereotypes with racial overtones (like "welfare queen") are fairly commonplace. Schools need to teach appreciation of cultural differences and acknowledge minority…

While schools cannot--should not--attempt to provide answers to controversial questions, they do need to teach children to pose those questions themselves and to examine them objectively. Regular forums in public schools in which various social issues are analyzed and discussed from a variety of viewpoints are one possibility. (Author/DCS)

Whatever its causes, racial isolation is social dynamite. Problems and destiny of America and American education cannot be separated from fate of American cities, which daily grow poorer, more violent, less socially cohesive, and more isolated. Problems cannot be addressed without taking racism into account. Schools can help students understand…

For too many children, our society is a fearful wasteland that mocks adult pieties and nurtures nihilism. The threat of violence cannot be dispelled with metal detectors, weapons checks, and secured hallways. Educators must adopt classroom practices that promote and strengthen peaceful relations among students and become more effective advocates…

The majority of Fundamentalist Christians are not political activists calling for a relentless cultural war; Fundamentalist Christians are a diverse group whose members do not necessarily share common views on social, economic, and political matters. To head off a crisis, educators should explain to community members the logic behind the school…

Social consensus concerning drug use and abuse may be only skin deep. Despite numerous "anti" campaigns, Reagan administration is saying "no" to funding for drug treatment and prevention programs, while tobacco advertising and growing incentives continue unabated. Despite these and other societal addictions, schools must reason calmly and offer…