Describes a classroom project integrating children's literature, Japanese culture, and geometry that grew out of the local killing of a Japanese exchange student. Fourth-graders read "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes" around which the interdisciplinary unit was developed. Topics covered included Japanese culture, American social…

Criticizes the National Commission on Social Studies in the Schools' report, "Charting a Course: Social Studies for the 21st Century." Questions the report's chronological exposition of history, exclusion of social problems until twelfth grade, emphasis on content, lack of selectivity, and declarative mood. Contends that, by ignoring…

Presents examples of how using technology can help raise self-esteem and improve academic performance for students who are identified as being at-risk. Topics discussed include the use of computer labs, filmstrips, and videos to strengthen academic skills, and to deal with such social issues as drop-outs, alcoholism, pregnancy, and suicide. Two…

Emulating the German approach to vocational education through youth apprenticeships, as has been suggested by the Clinton administration, may not work any better than the system we have and may be more expensive. Issues in restructuring education to improve the transition from school to work are discussed. (SLD)

Presents a classroom activity that features a mock hearing on environmental issues before an international court. Asserts that international cooperation is necessary if the world is to avert environmental disaster. Provides role descriptions for the witnesses and step-by-step instructional procedures. (CFR)

The literature on teen sexuality, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), drug abuse, and homelessness is reviewed as it relates to students with special needs. A survey of 258 special education teacher preparation programs revealed wide variability in the coverage that these programs were providing on these…

Contends that teen courts offer powerful lessons in civic responsibility and that more than 150 are operating nationwide. Discusses establishment and educational strategies used in teen courts. Concludes that this law-related education program provides a creative solution to the delinquency dilemma. (CFR)

Explores the origins and development of the Graduate Department of Social Economy and Social Research at Bryn Mawr College, PA. Analyzes social science teaching and research fostered in the department. Includes two tables listing women who received doctorates from the department between 1915 and 1940 along with a faculty listing. (CFR)

Cites data from 214 welfare families to support the argument that tougher child-support enforcement can reduce welfare dependency. Suggests that the best way to mend the child-support system for welfare-reliant children is to create a system that takes into account the real-life situations of mothers and fathers, as well as norms regarding…

Summarizes problems and concerns expressed in this special issue devoted to child poverty. Examines child poverty under the broader context of wealth and power, presenting it in a historical perspective. Suggests that children raised in poverty experience more than the simple stress and strains of living on the margins. Discusses current problems…

Reviews two books for experienced teachers and administrators on national issues for care of infants and toddlers: "Caring for Infants and Toddlers in Violent Environments" (Osofsky and Fenichel, editors) and "Starting Points: Meeting the Needs of Our Youngest Children" (Carnegie Corporation). (JW)

Describes goals, beneficiaries, offerings, locations, and providers of six current school-linked service efforts. Identifies several integrating elements needed for systemic reforms to make school-linked services produce more successful outcomes for children and families. Programmatic initiatives must complement deep-reaching changes in ways…

Discusses distinctions between the anthropology of education and educational research. Although the educationist generally has a technocist view of the reality of schooling (how to do it more efficiently), the anthropologist deals with the relational reality of schooling (what events mean to participants). (SLD)

Offers the text of an interview with James A. Banks, a leading scholar and authority on multicultural education. Discussed are the aftermath of the Los Angeles (California) riots, the role of multicultural education in social change, the nature and aim of multicultural education, teachers' roles, and the nation's future. (JB)

Details findings of research into 17-year-old students' consideration of science-based social issues. Reports that, although sex-based differences appeared in both student questionnaire and discussion responses, differences were far fewer in the discussions. Argues that social factors blur sex differences, making discussion a valuable learning…