To handle controversial issues effectively, interpreters must do the following: (1) be well prepared with information regarding the site and different viewpoints on the subject; (2) be aware of possible visitor emotions related to the nature of the subject or their personal involvement; (3) use sensitivity in dealing with legends, reputations and…

Many parents demand the right to instruct their children at home regarding sexual issues, while educators want the right to be honest and forthright with their students. Homosexuality is a highly emotional issue, and people are divided as to whether discussions about it have a place in the classroom. Examines several court battles. (MLF)

Reviews the work of an increasingly prominent writer of young adult literature, Chris Lynch, whose gritty realism has made him an object of both controversy and admiration. (TB)

Discusses the author's experiences in controversial and non-controversial children's and adult literature. Describes how he developed and shaped a line of books for teenagers that would explore many kinds of edges/borderlines - from family to world, self to others, native to immigrant, familiar to forbidden. (SG)

Considers how author Brock Cole may be grim and controversial, but he "paints the world as it is; instead of using soft pastels, he whips out the bright, bold, and sometimes ugly hues." Discusses the relationship between the author and the reader, and the author and the teacher. Concludes that some may say that Cole pushes the limit, but he…

Gives advice to those persons contemplating teaching about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in their sociology classroom. Describes the organization of an upper-level seminar for 10 students. Identifies a number of pedagogical and personal hazards that might be encountered when teaching about AIDS and offers strategies for coping with…

Investigated was the influence of an instructional strategy to help freshmen undergraduate students overcome misconceptions regarding the nature of evolutionary theory. Discusses the strategy that included writing statements, small group discussion, teacher presentation, interactive lecture/discussion, and individual reflections. (YP)

Discusses the attractions of teaching students about the Vietnam War. Provides a list of selected resources, including novels, personal narratives, films, drama, and poetry. Suggests general nonfiction and bibliographies for teachers as well. (MM)

Identifies the following needs in introducing the concept of global education into the curriculum: the formulation of a philosophy for global education, the implementation of realistic goals and objectives, and the articulation of global problems (e.g., diminishing food supplies and procedural problems in addressing global needs). (DMM)

Many drug education programs send a mixed and confusing message to students. Others are clearly wrong. Cites examples and advises administrators to conduct a critical review of all drug education programs. (MLF)

Workshops for teachers engaged in practitioner-based inquiry centered on the controversial issues raised by a television documentary on the Summerhill School. Learners normally engaged in distance education were motivated by the processes of dissent, argument, and disputation. (SK)

The conflict-resolution steps outlined in Arnold Burron's "Heed Community Values" article suggests an oversimplified picture of educational change. Consensus in diverse communities is elusive. Parents' rights are problematic. Conflict will continue as long as communities expect schools to resolve society's problems. Sharing…

Describes using nonfiction (primarily newspaper and magazine articles) with a seventh-grade reading improvement class to elicit political response in adolescent readers and to lead students to respond to writing with moral or emotional complexity. (SR)

When school districts are awash in crisis, the superintendents are responsible for calming troubled waters. Superintendents should anticipate troublesome issues and communicate with all parties involved. If early efforts prove ineffective, superintendents must keep overall educational goals in mind, communicate frequently with board and press,…

Discusses teaching social studies using public issues to develop student understanding. Describes identification of issues, justification and clarification of positions, and the discussion process. Suggests that selection of issues should be based on the importance of the issues to society and their significance for teachers and students. (DK)