Literacy educators are troubled by the isolated nature of many contemporary reading programs. Too often in middle school classrooms, students read alone, take computerized tests, and do not engage in authentic dialogue with peers. In this article, the authors argue that reading texts individually, while necessary, is not sufficient, and through…

Education is the first step toward making changes in habits and practices that are currently threatening the environment. Across the country, evidence is abundant that people are willing to change their habits once they understand the consequences of their choices. Greater numbers of communities are instituting recycling programs. This book is…

The arguments put forth in the 1930s against indoctrination in American education from the standpoints of the social reconstructionists and of the followers of the Bode-Hullfish position are presented. The only viable alternative to indoctrination was seen to be the study of social problems. These views continue to shape classroom practice. (RM)

Discusses problems inherent in teaching sensitive subjects such as rape, disasters, and nuclear war; and presents ideas about preparing classes on these subjects. Comments and data are drawn from experience in teaching family violence classes, students comments, journals, and conversations with colleagues. (BSR)

Outlines a lesson in which students learn how the constitutional protection of religious freedom has been applied to the Amish. Includes readings from which students can analyze three seemingly contradictory decisions related to the Amish and attempt to understand judicial interpretation. Asks students to apply the concept of judicial…

Reviewed is the debate over research and approval of the use of this drug in the United States. Potential benefits and side effects of the drug are discussed. The points of view of several government officials, scientists, and social activists are presented. (CW)

Focuses on the moral arguments for and against the controversial topic of voluntary active euthanasia. Discusses the question of legalization and decriminalization of the practice. Provides a student worksheet with questions to stimulate discussion on the issue. (MDH)

Defends the practice of introducing elementary school children to stories dealing with complex social problems and issues. Claims schools should not be disconnected from children's everyday experiences, and teachers should not underestimate the capacity of children to understand and deal with this type of material. (NH)

Presents a cultural analysis of the process by which controversial subject matter in social studies remains deemphasized or omitted. Examines research related to taboo topics in schools. Notes that the closer and more meaningful a topic is to students' lives, the more likely it is to be taboo. Offers practical suggestions for teachers to explore…

Notes that social issues books can enrich the understanding of history and life by giving voice to those who have traditionally been silenced or marginalized. Discusses how these books show how people can begin to take action on important social issues and rarely end with "they lived happily ever after." Presents four accounts of teaching with…

A newspaper's reporting and documenting of a local issue is used as a curricular starting point in many subject areas. (Author/KM)

This paper examines the nature of radicalism, proposes definitions and dimensions, and suggests the dynamics of radical thoughts and their interrelation with schools. A radical idea is one which is highly divergent from the normative values, behaviors, ideals or traditions of a culture at a point in time. This paper views radical ideas as…

Presents several arguments and strategies for using films about war and peace in introductory sociology and social problems courses. Addresses the practical problems of cost, scheduling, and locating appropriate resources. An appendix provides an annotated list of effective films, videos, and slide shows. (Author/BSR)

Describes an approach for including social issues in United States history classes. Provides examples of how specific issues were integrated with common course topics. (JDH)

Inquiring into controversial issues in the classroom is increasingly important. Teachers meeting opposition might assess representation of the total community in the opposition, determine specific points of disagreement and de facto official support. Remedial and preventive course of action should be explored. (VW)