The author takes the position that standardized tests, as presently developed and marketed, do have potentially positive uses. However, these advantages are outweighed by the tests' deleterious effects on children and programs. Standardized tests refer to published, norm referenced, achievement and intelligence tests which contain specific…

Statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the U.S. are summarized in this volume which is designed to serve as a convenient resource for statistical reference and as a guide to other statistical publications and sources. The latter function is served by the introductory text to each section, the source notes appearing below…

Guides and resources in this kit are prepared for a six week to two month secondary voter education course. The objectives are to prepare and motivate eligible students to register and vote in the presidential election, to participate in the presidential election campaigning, and to increase their overall knowledge concerning the presidential…

In this volume are surveyed some problems which arise in Latin American countries in the belief that even though solutions to them may differ somewhat from one country to another the conditions in which they arise are sufficiently similar to make comparisons possible and useful. After describing the uneven provision of schools for different…

I intend to identify some of the important propositions which issue from fourteen empirical studies on political socialization, and to point to implications for schools and especially civic education programs. I define political socialization as the process of acquiring and changing the culture of one's own political environment. Among the…

Research continued and new studies were launched in four major areas: communications, urban problems, politics, and economic issues. The foci of these studies are described briefly. Projects in communications are examining flows of news, media monopoly, press freedoms under pressure, public affairs broadcasting, press councils, political access to…

This reprint is said to contain some of the most informative and clearest writing yet published on the complex subject of school desegregation. "School Desegregation: The Continuing Challenge", opens with editors' statement. "Not Just One Judge's Opinion: by Roger I. Abrams is a brief legal analysis of a court decision often cited…

One of the principal obstacles to equalizing educational opportunities in the public schools has been the difficulty in achieving consensus among educational leaders on what is meant by "equal educational opportunity". This shortcoming is critical because how one defines equality determines and shapes the approaches used to attack the problems…

In many states renewed attempts at school reorganization may be the sole policy response to solving the rural school improvement issue. Reorganization should be resisted because benefits of reorganization are mixed, good rural schools have many strengths, and the demise of rural schools will damage the infrastructure of rural America. (JHZ)

How a fictitious international corporation is used to train managers in comparative governmental and legal processes is described. Masters of business and public management students are exposed to the simulated operation of an international firm that integrates the economic, market, legal, and political environments of managerial decision making.…

Provides an overview of U.S. politics from 1994 to 1996 for the secondary school student. Emphasizes election results and the conflicts and compromises between Republicans and Democrats in a system of divided government. Includes an extensive list of questions to be used for class discussions or research papers. (MJP)

Discusses the historical role of the zemstvos and their current contribution to educational efforts in Russia. Zemstvos are local assemblies that have traditionally addressed municipal, health care, and education concerns in the smaller cities and countryside. Criticizes current efforts for being disjointed, fragmented, and lacking a cohesive…

Traces the application of the constitutional protection from "unreasonable searches and seizures" as it has evolved in response to public attitudes and changes in technology. Includes a synopsis of relevant cases and two lesson plans. The cases concern a police search through trash bags and drug testing for athletes. (MJP)

Reveals that teaching about controversial issues increases students' self-confidence and interest in civic participation. Asserts that the current proliferation of social problems combined with exploitative media coverage necessitates civil and objective study of controversial issues. Includes several examples of, and approaches to, teaching about…

Reviews recent theoretical advances in political geography, particularly those that stress the political conflict behind the production of space. Discusses how this has impacted the study of environmental phenomena such as hazards, human-land relationships, development, and international environmental governance. Suggests ways that political…