Posits that educational controversies are, in the long run, necessary to the enlightenment of American culture. Traces some representative events in the history of educational controversy; suggests some ways for educators to achieve equal footing with those who critize them. (CSS)

Provides a discussion of the structure and procedures of a classroom exercise using scenes from "The Grapes of Wrath," to illustrate different environmental philosophies. After viewing scenes from the film, students prepare presentations examining the Dust Bowl from one of four philosophical positions: environmental causation,…

Provides an overview of U.S. politics from 1994 to 1996 for the secondary school student. Emphasizes election results and the conflicts and compromises between Republicans and Democrats in a system of divided government. Includes an extensive list of questions to be used for class discussions or research papers. (MJP)

Discusses the indebtedness of German pedagogical thinking to the U. S. progressive education movement. Specifically examines the "New Educational Fellowship," a socialist and pacifist organization founded in 1925 in Heidelberg (Germany) and joined in 1932 by U.S. progressive educators. Profiles several schools that institutionalized this…

Examines the approaches taken, the topics discussed, and the practical results of the 1944 conference, "Germany after the War." Organized and led by psychiatrist Richard Brickner, the conference focused on reeducation, institutional change, and psychological rehabilitation. The conference recommendations became highly relevant in the…

Presents a lesson plan examining Rachel Carson's call to arms concerning the harmful consequences of pesticides. Students view a video documentary on Carson's work and read a synopsis of her book, "Silent Spring." Assessment is provided by various activities including writing assignments, creating posters, and editorial cartoons. (MJP)

Analyzes evaluative comments made about the presidents in 40 U.S. government textbooks published over the last 7 years. These comments present an overwhelmingly negative and unrealistic picture of the presidency. Maintains that textbooks overrate the president's autonomous power and undervalue their positive contributions. (MJP)

Provides an overview of the discussions, activities, procedures, and issues surrounding the more than 70 listservs run by H-Net. The Internet e-mail subscription network is open and free to both scholars and the public. Includes a list of all the H-Net listservs and a representative copy of one list's operating rules. (MJP)

Presents a consistent body of evidence to support the conclusion that, from the earliest decades of the 19th century, scientific subjects represented a significant and popular part of the curriculum in schools for girls. Includes evidence from primary and secondary sources. (MJP)

This article describes federal initiatives to support preparation of regular educators to serve students with disabilities through the eras of mainstreaming, the Regular Education Initiative, inclusion, and promoting access to the general education curriculum. Trends in the number of personnel preparation projects that support preparation of…

Reviews educational software award winners based on criteria that include quality of presentation and design, classroom usability, and support documentation. Subject categories include preschool/readiness, language arts, math, science, social studies/history, ESL (English as a Second Language), and reference. A directory of software publishers is…

Delineates two traditional assumptions of educational research: (1) social progress is tied to an evolutionary conception of change and (2) inquiry must identify actors as causal agents who create or suppress change. Argues that both assumptions are grounded in the effects of power and modernity and are complicit in social regulation. (MJP)

Recounts a little known episode of World War II: the imprisonment of 28,000 anti-Nazi Jewish refugees in Great Britain. Explores how the refugees created a rich cultural and educational life out of these circumstances. They ran internment camp education programs, put on theatrical shows, and published a camp newspaper. (MJP)

Examines the controversy that led to the passage of legislation governing religious instruction in Britain and Scotland in the 1870s. Attempting to satisfy an unwieldy mix of denominations, politicians, and secularists, the legislation severely constricted religious instruction in England and Wales and left it almost untouched in Scotland. (MJP)

Demonstrates how reading, and creative thinking can increase literacy and create historical empathy in a sixth-grade class. The centerpiece of the class on ancient civilizations is an adaptation of "Antigone," by Sophocles. Recommends the use of dramatic literature because of its ability to engage and transform students' thinking. (MJP)