The human needs of Appalachia relate to developments of a post-industrial economy in America, where social attitudes and political policies toward dependent populations (the young, the old, the disabled, and the unemployed) and toward ownership and management of capital and resources have contributed to the extensive poverty of the region. These…

A collection of essays that explores the links among women and communicative power from a variety of perspectives, this monograph focuses on issue analysis and suggestions for future research. The articles and their authors are as follows (1) "Women and Communicative Power: Introduction" (Carol Ann Valentine); (2) "Genderlect,…

Life history interviews with 22 elderly Indians (16 women, 6 men, aged 60 to 81) in Phoenix suggest that for many of them the Indian Senior Center offers a sociable arena where they assume activist roles, directly addressing aging-related issues concerning health care, transportation, and emotional stress management. They engage in fund-raising…

Beginning with a capsule history of United States education reform efforts and an examination of the American "myth" of the apolitical nature of education, this paper explores the political bases of education policy. Reviewing the literature on educational politics with a particular concern for recent curriculum reform efforts at the state level,…

Based on the book, "South Africa: Time Running Out," a report of the Study Commission on U.S. Policy Toward Southern Africa, this 10-20 day unit of study is designed to help high school students learn about the history, geography, and present situation in South Africa and its relationship to the United States. The first of four sections…

This review of the literature focuses on the effects of enrollment and fiscal decline on local school district management and also looks at the effects of local districts' policy responses to decline. The review's five sections include an overview of the kinds of literature available on decline; a summary of the main policy issues identified in…

Examining the trends and issues in vocational education, this speech focuses on the historical basis for vocational education, the current situation in vocational education, vocational education in the 1980's, the role of vocational education in economic development, and research related to these topics. Issues which are currently being discussed…

This monograph explores aspects of science and technology in contemporary society and suggests methods for teaching about social policy issues which have resulted from scientific and technological developments. Section one offers an argument for teaching about science and social policy; surveys the sociology, politics, and history of contemporary…

The political factors underlying the ability of the Illinois Board of Higher Education to prevent the development of additional new campuses as part of the University of Illinois are analyzed. The primary factors underlying the board's success are: (1) its investment in winning the issue because of the threat to its goals and survival; (2) the use…

At Northport High School, New York, the subject of human rights is dealt with in a tenth grade European Cultures Studies course. The ten week unit treats the concept of human rights as well as historical and current cases focusing on basic liberties. As students study the individual cases involving human rights, they delve into the political and…

In order to improve the quality of American education, we need to improve teacher education and the assistance given to new teachers, raise teacher salaries, and give teachers greater professional authority. However, some of the criticims directed at the public schools are really an attempt to destroy public education. (IS)

This guide is targeted to teachers of intermediate or advanced English as a Second Language (ESL). It provides three 1-hour lesson plans on the topic of the importance of participation in the 2000 U.S. census. The paper asserts that it is critical for minorities who have historically been undercounted and under-represented in the U.S. Congress to…

This final Kellogg Commission report urges a renewal of the covenant between state universities and colleges and the public they serve. The report calls for a new kind of public institution, one that is both a first-rate student university and a first-rate research university, that provides access to a diverse student population, reaches out to…

Discusses four major approaches to teaching about controversial issues frequently cited in educational literature: problem solving, public issues, decision making, and moral reasoning. Provides guidelines for structuring large-group discussions, small-group discussions, and debates within these approaches. Includes a list of instructional…

Argues that the development of political corruption brings about important changes in the political system and in the characteristics of the political class. Describes the emergence and activities of a group of "business politicians" in Italy who have transformed political parties into socializing agencies for illicit activities. (MJP)