The selling of academic freedom, both on college campuses and in public schools, reflects a certain tension between liberal and conservative forces. Over half a century ago, Harold Rugg's writings, like his textbooks, looked at social problems and how they could be solved. Rugg fell victim to those academic silencers, or gatekeepers of democracy,…

This curriculum unit introduces students to the topic of minority identity issues in the context of Japanese society, and it is expected that teachers will use this as an opportunity to segue into classroom discussions of minority issues in their own society. The curriculum unit broaches some sensitive and controversial topics that challenge…

This book presents essays and resources that address crucial questions regarding how children should learn about genocide and intolerance and the literature used in teaching these topics. Part 1 (Guidelines on Teaching about Genocide and Intolerance through Language Arts/English Studies Education) includes the following 2 essays: "Editor's…

Objectives and procedures are described for using a game focusing upon discussion which involves students in important and current issues. (SM)

The range, complexity, and rapid increase of controversial knowledge about human genetics require that students be taught the biomedical facts and ethical dilemmas. Human genetics education thus provides an excellent opportunity for increasing scientific literacy generally. (PB)

Taking a graduate-level course on family living and human sexuality resulted in increased knowledge for participating teachers, although no changes in overall attitudes were evident. A major finding of a study evaluating course effects was that older teachers tended to be less permissive on controversial issues. (Author/PP)

Discusses the basic issue between biology and the religious right, focusing on the strategies creationists use. Proposes formation of a symposium on the relationship between science, religious beliefs, and politics, outlining purposes of such a symposium and questions which might be addressed. (JN)

Problems related to multicultural education programs are cited. A model of ambivalent social exchange is presented that: (1) uses components of cultural pluralism while avoiding separatism; and (2) enhances understanding of culture, as represented by various social groups, so that individuals can choose values which allow personal fulfillment. (PP)

Examines creationism/evolution debate in context of philosophy using ontological models in which reality is assigned to one or both natural or transnatural (supernatural) realms. The six models (theistic-teleological dualism; deistic-mechanistic dualism; fundamentalist creationism; atheistic monism; theistic monism; mechanistic monism) deal with…

Points out that the most basic of creationist attacks of geology, their claim that uniformitarianism is an unreliable basis for interpreting the past, fail because the uniformitarianism they describe is no longer a part of geology. Indicates that modern uniformitarianism is merely the philosophical principle of simplicity. (Author/JN)

Thomas G. Barnes, geologist/creationist, argues that the geomagnetic field was created by unknown processes when earth was created and has been decaying (irreversibly/exponentially) with a half-life of about 1,400 years since then. Shows that Barnes' proposition is wrong and explains why the earth's age cannot be determined from magnetic-field…

The relationships among sex education, values education, and adolescent decision making are explored, and responsibilities of schools in these areas are projected. Examples of school programs that include the teaching of values in sex education are given along with suggestions for parent-school cooperation. (PP)

Current practices in programs that prepare teachers of sex education were surveyed. Of 322 institutions responding, 30 percent offered courses specifically designed for that purpose. However, most courses were broad and unfocused, indicating a lack of consensus about what sex education courses should cover. (PP)

Educators find themselves accused of teaching students the religion/philosophy of secular humanism. Considering the size and potential of the secular humanism controversy, it is most important that educators understand what they are being accused of teaching. Academic freedom is at stake. (Author/RC)

Presents the full text of Arkansas Act 590 (1981) requiring balanced treatment of creationism and evolution in public schools of this state. Includes, among others, requirements for balanced treatment, prohibition against religious instruction, requirements for nondiscrimination, definitions of "creation-science" and…