Examines the intentions of political education and the legitimization strategies of civic education, as illustrated by social studies, that constitutes the central subject of political education in Thuringia (Germany). Focuses on issues such as redefining the concept of transformation and the concept of civic and political education. (CMK)

Outlines the six elements from educational research that enhance the value of community service programs. Summarizes three school-based programs: Community Involvement Program in Minnetonka, Minnesota; Early Adolescent Helper Program in New York, New York; and Youth Community Service in Los Angeles, California. (SLM)

Stating that the primary function of textbooks is to transmit quantity and quality of knowledge, Woodward argues that photographs and other design features should be relevant to the topic, extending learning beyond the written text. Presents recommendations for evaluating the instructional quality of textbook photographs. (GEA)

Describes the ERIC Clearinghouse for Social Studies/Social Science Education (ERIC/ChESS) at Indiana University which is responsible for disseminating information about social studies education. Provides examples of documents and information products from the ERIC database that can be used by teachers of government, civics, and political science.…

Discusses a school district's plan to introduce into the curriculum civic writing activities directly linked to local history and community issues. Suggests that writing can stimulate students' civic responsibility through the academic skills of research and critical thinking. Addresses planning, implementation, assessment, and recommendations.…

Discusses how significant speeches of the golden age of U.S. oratory (1828-1928) might be used in study units for English, history, social science, or civics classrooms. Lists 10 of the best speeches of the age and 5 anthologies of speeches. (SR)

Argues current social studies reform movement raises false dichotomy between those who would emphasize content of history geography and those who would focus on critical thinking or information processing skills. Contends real goal of social studies should be practical citizenship competencies/participation. Concludes that teachers should create…

The educational birthrights of many students, as demonstrated by the author's experiences with a high school class, remain unfulfilled because students are largely ignorant of history and the broad human cultural heritage. Their aspirations and opportunities are being blighted by attitudes they form without real stimulation of their intellects.…

Asserts that students have little knowledge about the operation of local government. Discusses a three-day interdisciplinary lesson about water management and local government for the elementary grades. Includes descriptions of laboratory exercises, homework assignments, and class discussions. (CFR)

Proposes a project to help teachers introduce service learning in the classroom. Gives a descriptive case analysis of one teacher's efforts to stress the importance of service, locally and globally, to her students. Argues that the main goal is for students to increase their personal development and civic responsibility. (DSK)

Promotes teaching human rights at every educational level in conjunction with the United Nations-declared Human Rights Year. Provides World Wide Web addresses for resources on human rights and the Human Rights Year, including the United Nations and Amnesty International. Summarizes UN-suggested guidelines for human rights commemoration…

Investigates multiculturalism and education in Sweden through historical accounts, national course plans and guidelines, current theory, discussions with scholars, classroom observations, and 23 interviews of late-secondary/early postsecondary teachers of civics and Swedish language arts. (EMS)

Provides information answering the complaint that individuals rely too much on litigation. Notes that, although notorious and suspect tort cases garner much of the public's attention, they make up less than 6% of the courts' work. Most litigation involves child custody, small claims, and property cases. (MJP)

Presents a word and number puzzle designed to familiarize students with law terms and their definitions. The puzzle consists of definitions followed by a sequence of numbers. The law term fitting the definition can be revealed by applying a number-letter key that is provided. Suitable for copying as a handout. (MJP)

Examines contributions by Mary Ritter Beard and Marion Thompson Wright to inclusive social education curricula. Beard established the field of women's history; Wright promoted the application of black history. Both saw social betterment as the goal of knowledge and sought inclusive understanding of the nature of legitimate knowledge in schools.…