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)

Adolescents view sexual orientation, especially homosexuality, as a very sensitive subject. Homosexuality is also a culturally sensitive topic; views on its appropriateness as a classroom subject vary widely from country to country. An English teacher at the International School of Brussels explains how he uses literature and essay writing to…

'Structured Controversy' (SC) is a cooperative learning activity where students, working in small groups, argue one side of an issue and then another side of the same issue in two Rounds. Discussion includes: organizing the activity; evaluation; and positive results. Students reported a high degree of satisfaction with the SC activity and were…

Special education teachers (n=121) in both self-contained and resource programs expressed their opinions about contemporary issues education (such as substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, suicide, delinquency, and child abuse). Responses are analyzed using a typology. Implications for educating students to reduce their…

Examines the reasons for the death penalty, the reasons why the death penalty attracts so much attention, whether the death penalty is applied consistently, and the evidence that the application of the death penalty may be racially biased. Provides an accompanying article on "Teaching Ideas" by Ronald A. Banaszak. (CMK)

A series of programs entitled Creationism and Evolution: The History of a Controversy was presented at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The controversy was addressed from an historical and sociological, rather than a scientific perspective. Speakers addressed the evolution of scientific creationism, ancient texts versus sedimentary rocks…

As part of a large-scale instructional intervention research, this study examined elementary students' science knowledge and awareness of social activism with regard to an increased greenhouse effect and global warming. The study involved fifth-grade students from five elementary schools of varying demographic makeup in a large urban school…