Environmental issues that can be explored in social science courses include problems with potential to cause serious or irreversible change to an ecosystem or biosphere. Areas for discussion include: environmental attitudes, values, and behaviors; the environmental movement; risk perceptions; and the political economy of the environment and…

Describes a teacher educator's experience at offering a course for graduate education majors called "Religion and the Public Schools." Classroom discussions were free-ranging, and students expressed views and insights concerning course materials in journals. Many students questioned whether religious studies could be taught…

Considers the potential use that English teachers might make of the discussions ensuing from curricular reform initiatives. Argues that the debates generated by the process of program reform are usually far better than the curricular results of those debates. Shows how assessment debates have great educational potential for curricular changes. (HB)

Grade 11 students enrolled in a science/technology/society (STS) course, students not enrolled and their respective teachers were profiled. The results indicate that STS education rather that STS "doctrination" is the norm, the goal of "STS-literate" students has not been achieved, and the long-term retention capability of the established and…

The ideological basis from which dissection activities spring is discussed. Speciesism, the widely held belief that the human species is entitled to certain rights and privileges, is examined as the cause for dissection activities occurring in biology classrooms. (KR)

Decries the prevalence of "racism,""sexual harassment," and "speciesism" labels applied to supposed violators of "political correctness" (PC). When freedom of speech on college campuses is held hostage to political correctness, K-12 education is bound to be affected. This new brand of McCarthyism cheapens…

Provides a reference guide on religious materials in the public school library. Argues that social studies teachers can integrate references on religion into their teaching while respecting the freedom of conscience of their students. Identifies documents, fiction, nonfiction, periodicals, and the appropriate section of the Dewey Decimal…

An American Council on Education survey of almost 360 colleges and universities found that few institutions have experienced controversy over course content, speeches, or faculty lectures, suggesting that reports of widespread efforts to impose "politically correct" thinking on college students and faculty are exaggerated. Some…

Discusses the possibility of constructing a writing classroom in which unsolicited oppositional discourse might be allowed to flourish. Describes one student essay about gay-bashing and the huge response of college composition professionals to its public discussion. Argues that teachers can provide a space where cultures can meet and grapple. (HB)

Direct-mail packages using public education and related issues (test scores, graduation prayer, textbook censorship, condom availability, and sex education programs) have become effective ways for special-interest groups to raise millions in operating funds. Polarizing issues and identifying clear enemies works well in the marketplace but poorly…

Argues that the behavioral or "human" sciences are fundamentally different in scope and intent from the natural sciences. Describes the use of controversial topics in undergraduate courses and provides a four-step process. Recommends using Karl Popper's falsification theory to help students think critically about issues. (CFR)

Many school districts in the South have been quietly teaching the Bible for years. A court case in Fort Myers, Florida, ended up splitting the community along religious and political lines. The Freedom Forum First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University has sponsored seminars on how to address religion in public school classrooms. (MLF)

Discusses the nature of hate speech in general, and Holocaust denial in particular, on the World Wide Web, citing specific Web sources. Argues that, although discussion of Holocaust denial may be a difficult classroom discussion topic, and should be approached carefully, intelligent use of the Internet must be taught in the classroom. (MSE)

Proposes an alternative way of addressing the California Framework through an issues-centered approach to teaching social studies. Describes issues-centered education as instruction infused with reflection on problematic questions related to social issues. Discusses ways of implementing issues-centered social studies curricula and note resources…

Believes that it is important to teach about controversial issues in social studies but contends that not all controversial issues are suitable for the classroom. Suggests three categories of selection criteria (curricular, student, and community considerations) in order to decide on what types of issues are appropriate for the classroom. (CMK)