Presents selected results from an April, 1984 public opinion survey conducted by the U. S. Committee for Refugees which revealed a lack of knowledge and negative attitudes among Americans toward refugees. Suggests classroom activities to illustrate the refugee dilemma. (JDH)

A strategy used to make a secondary Canadian civics course come alive is described. Students were given copies of "Hansard," each copy covering one day in the life of Canada's House of Commons. Each student selected four issues and explained how the federal government works with regard to the issues. (RM)

This Delaware state content standards booklet for teaching grades 6-8 social studies in Delaware public schools begins with a one page chart outlining information for the disciplines of civics, economics, geography, and U.S. history. The booklet addresses standards for civics, lists end of cluster expectations for the end of grade eight, and cites…

In a recent survey sponsored jointly by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement and the Council for Excellence in Government, several questions regarding young people's attitudes towards civic education and community service requirements were asked. These included questions asking if students were favorable or…

The evolution of an inclusivist immigration and naturalization policy in the United States is described. The policy, implicit in the founding myth of the United States as a haven for all, has been challenged repeatedly by ideas of national membership, and is only possible because of the American principles of universal rights. The founding ideals…

This article provides a brief historical review of efforts to prepare immigrants to pass the U.S. citizenship test, defines key terms, discusses events that have shaped civics education, and offers suggestions, whatever the approach chosen, for integrating civics content with English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) skills development. Covered topics…

This unit examines the responsibilities of being a U.S. citizen. It surveys the need for the participation of all citizens in the governing of the United States. Lessons explain that while the United States Constitution does not require the people of the United States to be good citizens, citizens need to work hard in order to stay free. The unit…

This issue is intended as a collection of teaching and learning resources. It presents news, issues, information, ideas, activities, and discussion questions on social justice. Articles that focus on learning how to make a difference areas follows: "What Is Civic Participation Anyway?"; "The Hundredth Monkey: When You're Not Sure,…

Differences in student knowledge about democracy, institutions, and citizenship and students skills in interpreting political communication were studied through multilevel regression analysis of results from the second International Education Association (IEA) Study. This study provides data on 14-year-old students from 28 countries in Europe,…

Many college mission statements convey the importance of citizenship education to prepare future leaders. However, values education often remains, at best, peripheral to the community college curriculum. This digest provides an examination of the classical and current approaches to community college values education. According to the digest,…

Nevada's academic standards for civics education are predicated on the idea that, to support and benefit from a diverse democratic society, a student must have a fundamental understanding of civic life, politics, and government. When instruction is closely focused on Nevada's civics standards, students gain an understanding of these broad spheres.…

"Active Citizenship Today" (ACT) is a service learning program for the social studies. There are two things that make ACT different from other service learning programs: (1) the "learning" in service -- learning refers to traditional social studies content and skills (it is a civics model); and (2) ACT is built around a problem-solving framework.…

This teacher's training guide is the companion volume to "Sytemes politiques et economiques," to help high school students learn about political and economic systems. Divided into seven sections, section 1 offers directions and suggestions on how to use the student volume including how to utilize the cartoon drawings that accompany the…

Reviews 11 series, texts, supplements, kits, and professional references for law instruction, including civil and criminal law, the Bill of Rights, and controversial legal issues: arson, gun control, capital punishment, and euthanasia. While all grade levels are covered, the emphasis is on secondary-level materials. (SJL)

States that after the election of 2000, there will be calls to abolish the electoral college. Discusses the creation of the electoral college. Addresses the four disputed elections in U.S. history: (1) 1800; (2) 1824; (3) 1876; and (4) 1888. Focuses on the reasons for and against the electoral college. (CMK)