Discusses why creation science could be discussed in a high school biology class. Examines the debate that exists between scientific creationists, biblical literalists, and traditional scientists regarding the teaching of creation science in schools. Describes how discussion of this debate could help students understand the nature of science. (CW)

Surveys the content of 13 elementary social studies methods texts published between 1981 and 1988. Disregarding quality or length of coverage, Breiter identifies common topics in social studies methods texts as well as social/controversial issues and skills coverage. Suggests how this information might be used in text selection or course renewal…

Claims that undergraduate curricula show a tension between a commitment to diversity and a commitment to coherence. Argues that the issues of "minority" students--including Blacks, homosexuals, and women--must be included to teach the value of encountering, listening to, and establishing a connection with different lifestyles and…

Discusses a number of obstacles that limit effective education for reducing the incidence of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the United States. Includes behaviors that must be changed, disagreement about the propriety of educational messages to prevent AIDS, and uncertainty as to some of the dual messages of reassurance being…

Presents the results of an interview which asked 15 South Africans what United States teachers should be teaching about South Africa. Correlates the eight major points made by the South Africans with the contents of the theme articles in this issue of SOCIAL EDUCATION. Includes a list of curriculum materials which covers the issues teachers should…

Outlines the school board policy and guidelines developed by the Fairfax County Public Schools for dealing with controversial issues. Discusses how to develop such guidelines and prepare staff for their implementation. Includes a sample form and a four-step review process. (MD)

Educators in the Netherlands conceive of peace education as alternating between the transformation or improvement of the individual and the transformation of structures within which people act. Peace education aims at raising people's consciousness that they are responsible for peace. (RM)

Offers a rationale that can be used to defend the assignment of Alice Walker's controversial novel for class reading. Indicates four issues that might evoke calls for censorship: (1) subject matter, (2) vocabulary, (3) grammar, and (4) the epistolary form of the work. (RBW)

Summarizes research on public support of sex education courses in public schools, the content and effects of such cources, and the pertinent public policy stances of legislatures and courts. (JW)

The ways in which potential problems in terms of validity were addressed by a beginning researcher conducting research into teacher attitudes are described. The researcher, a doctoral candidate, studied the beliefs, attitudes, and values of four experienced high school biology teachers. Principles and practices of research were set into place…

Youth with disabilities are particularly susceptible to dangerous outcomes associated with contemporary issues such as teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and domestic violence. Several studies document the high degree of social, medical, and legal risk to which youth with disabilities are exposed. The extent to which public schools provide risk…

When controversial issues are being taught in the school curriculum, a key element in maintaining positive school-community relations is the possession of clear, written procedures for adoption, re-evaluation, and grievance procedures relating to the curriculum. Guidelines for handling complaints and clarifying rights of school staff, parents,…

Because the numbers responding to the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) social issues survey were so small, any generalizations about the views of the membership of NCSS policy directions must be made with extreme caution. With this limitation in mind, survey results are discussed. (RM)

Outlines and describes examples of student resistance to a feminist perspective in a sociology of the family course. The examples were: characterizing information as "male-bashing," ignoring structural forces, and blaming the victim. Notes the almost passive acceptance of feminist perspectives when articulated by a guest male professor. (MJP)

The Supreme Court let stand a California court's ruling sharply limiting the right of administrators at public colleges to interfere with faculty members' curriculum decisions. The ruling came from a 1986 decision by the San Diego Community College District to bar the staging of a controversial play. (MSE)