This report reviews economic, political, and social factors which will influence the United States in the 1980s. Topics include government role, government spending, living standards, international confrontations, terrorism, health care and delivery, and changing values. (DB)

Presents results of a study undertaken to compare contents of Polish primary school books from two historical periods--1938 and 1976-78. The objective was to relate books from the two periods to the respective ideological and constitutional bases of the socio-political systems they represented. Findings indicated the content of books from the two…

The credibility of social science research suffers, it is suggested, when a preliminary report in need of scholarly review and clarification is rushed prematurely to the public in the midst of an intensely political debate about public support for private schools. The Coleman II report is cited as an example. (MLW)

Reactions to the Heritage Foundation report on the federal role in postsecondary education include "Reagan, Regulations, and Relief" (Sheldon Steinbach); "Balancing the Governed and the Government" (Robert M. Rosenzweig); and "Principles in the Debate on Regulation" (Robert C. Andringa). A summary of the foundation…

The article presents a brief overview of the state of the art of bilingual education, provides a background on how the government system responds to the opinions of its many publics, and deals with the political implications for bilingual education, and the need to develop political efficacy through Political Action Committee(s). (Author/NQ)

Discusses the development of the Great Society idea, its central themes, the rhetorical problem of its presentation and resolution. Obstacles to adopting the programs were overcome by employing conservative themes, claiming a moral imperative to act, and distinguishing the Great Society from older programs. (JMF)

Argues that the continued existence of predominantly Black institutions is educationally and sociologically justified, fiscally and politically feasible, and legally permissible. (Author/GC)

Educational institutions should mount sophisticated lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, say three members of Congress (Senators Harrison Schmitt and Dennis DeConcini and Congressman Morris Udall). Lobbying in the legislative process, effective lobbyists, political action committees, and effective lobbying from nonprofit groups are discussed.…

Argues that several areas of rhetorical criticism on political speeches need reassessment. These include rhetorical biography, the speaker's purpose, issue analysis, organization or identifying patterns of construction within a speech, and style. (JMF)

Individuals who would blow the whistle by making public disclosure of impropriety in their own organizations face choices of public v private good. These dilemmas, along with institutional and professional standards that might ease the way of whistleblowers, are explored. (Author)

Discusses six persuasive strategies utilized in Mississippi between 1954-1964 to defend White supremacy, to resist integration, to suppress internal opposition, and to thwart efforts of the federal government to end segregation. (JMF)

Discusses the conflict between educational practices and the ideal to educate students for democratic autonomy. The conflict is heightened by the fact that the work most people do exercises their education not in the form of academic skills obtained, but in the form of discipline and obedience that schools implicitly inculcate as part of their…

Reflects upon the controversy between the values of humanism and of right-wing political groups, particularly with regard to educational objectives. Suggests ways in which humanists can make their voices heard. (DB)

Describes a two-week workshop, the Federal Forum, designed to aid teachers in understanding contemporary political issues. Topics include the executive branch of government, valuing strategy and political parties, teaching models and the U.S. Supreme Court, and questioning techniques and U.S. diplomacy. (KC)

Examines the relationship of media coverage and public opinion in scientific controversy. A survey of coverage of controversies arising regarding sociobiology, water fluoridation, nuclear power and the Three Mile Island disaster indicates that the media play an active role in shaping and constructing controversy rather than just reporting it. (JMF)