Criticizes the national civics standards for emphasizing shared political values over political participation, oversimplifying the relationships among U.S. political values, and relying upon elite statements to identify those values. Characterizes the proposed standards as a symbolic ritual for reinforcing cultural hegemony. (MJP)

Provides a comprehensive pedagogical framework for incorporating the Geographical Information System (GIS) into college geography courses. Utilizes Berry's Geographic Matrix to develop approaches to teaching, both about GIS, and with GIS. Considers GIS as a collection of marketable skills, enabling technology, and new discipline. Includes tables…

Describes the design and implementation of a peer-led sexually transmitted disease/human immunodeficiency virus prevention program for high school students in a dropout prevention program. Pre- and postintervention ratings of peers' effectiveness by teachers and students demonstrated an increase in awareness and discussion and an increase in…

These five articles report on library and information science employment sources on the Internet; librarians' placement and salary trends, including library school graduates, gender differences, and minorities; a list of accredited Mater's programs; a list of library scholarship sources; and a list of library scholarship and award recipients. (LRW)

Asserts that middle level teachers can deal effectively with the challenges of appropriate grading for all students. Argues that motivating students with learning disabilities requires the attention of the entire IEP (Individualized Education Plan) team to modify instruction, adapt grading procedures, and keep communication open with parents and…

A strategic planning task force at Denver University's Penrose Library conducted needs assessment and established a staff development program to address: orienting new staff; software training; and professional and personal development. Postprogram evaluation found improved morale, communication, and recognition of different learning styles, plus…

Details a series of service learning projects conducted by a California middle school social studies class. Creative, inexpensive, and substantive, the projects included writing to Manuel Noreiga in prison, creating a feed-the-homeless garden, and translating city documents into other languages. (MJP)

Reviews psychological and educational research on prejudice and intergroup relations to produce suggestions and guidelines for improving the combined educational goals of service learning and multicultural education. Recommends starting early, emphasizing critical thinking, connecting activities to appropriate stages of cognitive development, and…

Provides a brief history of character education and categorizes current efforts. Recommends combining civic participation programs with character education in an attempt to provide consistency, depth, and support. Notes that civic participation programs teach a recognized set of values, use interactive teaching strategies, and promote critical…

Recounts the experiences of a California middle school class that produces an ongoing magazine of oral histories. The multilingual, multicultural, working-class students have interviewed hundreds of participants. In the process they have learned how to research, interview, transcribe, and publish. Includes sample transcripts from the magazine.…

Maintains that community service-learning, the integration of service with academic skills and content, can positively enhance students' future involvement in the social and political life of their communities. Discusses the historical roots of service in social studies education and analyzes the empirical evidence on student outcomes. (MJP)

Discusses research on transition out of high school, presenting a five-category model of transition practices to ensure that students with disabilities will attain positive outcomes when they leave high school. The practices are student focused planning, family involvement, interagency and interdisciplinary collaboration, student development, and…

Explores the educational possibilities inherent in combining Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) with communications technology. A MIDI system (a combination synthesizer and computer) allows students to compose, record, experiment, and correct at one site. A MIDI file can be sent via e-mail to others for comments. (MJP)

Describes an introductory environmental engineering course that used a semester-long design project, team exercises, field trips and imaginative demonstrations, active learning strategies, and extensive discussions of environmental engineering practice to improve student learning and interest. Students performed well and gave the course good…

Analyzes information from a computerized database of Ph.D. candidates in history between 1921-90. Examines the numbers of doctoral degrees produced at each college within the university, as well as students' gender, nationality, and age. Questions previously held assumptions concerning rates of completion and submission. Includes statistical…