Examines the rationale for critical, rather than didactic, instructional approaches. Delineates activities of the Center for Critical Thinking and Moral Critique at Sonoma State University (California), a leading institute in the critical thinking movement. These activities include preparing teaching guides, conducting annual international…

A sample of 183 third through sixth grade students were administered the Revised Class Play (RCP). Seven years later, these children and their parents completed a questionnaire measuring the students' behavioral symptoms and social, athletic, and academic competence. The RCP scores were related to adolescent competence and psychopathology. (BC)

This paper identifies demographic changes in the areas of poverty, single-parent families, teenage pregnancy, and educational achievement, with emphasis on increased vulnerability of minority populations. It also notes related challenges to the educational system in personnel recruitment and preparation, effective delivery of educational services…

A unit designed to cover the topic of genetic engineering and its ethical considerations is presented. Students are expected to learn the material while using a debate format. A list of objectives for the unit, the debate format, and the results from an opinion questionnaire are described. (KR)

Considers the gap between theory and practice in social studies education. Postulates this gap results from teachers utilizing critical thinking as a classroom strategy rather than committing to it as an ethic. Examines seven principles to illustrate critical thinking as a teaching ethic. Urges professors to embody this ethic in their teaching to…

Community leadership roles taken by African-American educators between 1795 and 1954 are reviewed, including biographical sketches of several prominent Blacks. Educators were major figures in African-American movements toward specific cultural objectives. (SLD)

Discusses development of a multicultural social studies program at Sacred Heart College, an integrated school in South Africa. Describes the history of African social studies, the school, and its program. Emphasizes changes in the teaching and learning environment and in the curriculum resulting from racial integration. Presents social studies as…

A study investigated the prior employment background of students in a British graduate teacher education program, and the impact of their background on student attitudes and experiences in an experiential learning component which places secondary school teacher trainees in industrial, commercial, and community service contexts. (MSE)

A study of predominantly white teachers participating in a multicultural education staff development program illustrated how social class and gender experiences informed their understanding of the social order they used to understand race. Following the staff development, few teachers substantially restructured their perspectives about racial…

An annotated bibliography includes publications on adolescent issues such as school-community collaboration, pregnancy prevention, decision making, health promotion, injury prevention, music, violence prevention, health care, African-American adolescents, sexuality education, futures planning, policy, and health service delivery. (SM)

Describes the switch taking place in many schools, especially middle schools, from grouping students by ability (tracking) to mixed-ability classrooms (untracking). Discusses components of untracking, student and teacher responses, and tracking as a public policy issue. (SLD)

Discusses effects of peer relationships on preschoolers' social development. Peer acceptance is important for successful social interaction and adjustment to school, whereas antisocial behavior is associated with rejection. Family interaction and experience are connected to peer acceptance. Suggests approaches that teachers may use to facilitate…

An interagency team approach to planning and implementing successful school-to-work programs for students with disabilities is recommended. Roles of special educators, vocational rehabilitators, vocational educators, parents, and students are identified. Specific ways to counter such local obstacles as lack of transportation, lack of funding, and…

Describes results of a nationwide survey of elementary and secondary school library media centers that examined their holdings on AIDS, child abuse, family violence, homosexuality, and incest. Topics discussed include accessibility through subject headings, whether the topics are covered in the curriculum, and how difficult it is to find…

A framework for developing teachers' reflective decision making ability is provided along with specific staff development activities that promote teacher reflection. Strategies include conducting personal histories, video/audio self-assessment, journal writing, cognitive coaching, cases, role playing, and problem framing/action research. (SM)