Because teachers are human, they sometimes judge their students based on where they live or the language they speak. Students are channeled into honors, regular or remedial classes based on these judgments. Separate sets of expectations are imposed upon separate sets of children, limiting access to information and opportunity. Teachers must…

W.E.B. Du Bois spent the vast majority of his 95 years working for the hearts and minds of Americans. Although consumed with equal rights and opportunity for Blacks, his larger vision was of a world in which all persons could progress as far as their unique knowledge, ability and efforts would permit. Intellectual and largely inward directed Du…

Teaching children who are victims of Katrina is not a multicultural education issue per se. However, there are some intersections between the victims of Katrina and the educational responses to them, and some of the primary constituent groups and issues that multicultural education represents and intends to serve. These are children of color and…

Minority youth are disproportionately represented in the juvenile justice system, and their numbers in arrest statistics and in correctional facilities suggest that comprehensive strategies are needed to address these problems. The National Council of Juvenile Family Court Judges has undertaken an intensive examination of the problems of…

The rise of parental responsibility statutes creates tension between the state's duty to respect the integrity of the family and the duty to protect children and the best interests of society. Yet, there is an ever-growing belief that something must be done to reverse the trend of juvenile crime. Parental responsibility laws have emerged as an…

This guide was developed for educators, juvenile justice practitioners, and others in youth-serving organizations to increase awareness of conflict resolution education and its potential for the peaceful settlement of disputes. Conflict resolution programs can help schools promote both the individual behavior changes necessary for responsible…

Organized around the theme of conflict resolution, this booklet provides teachers and lawyers with classroom materials for elementary grades K-3 (Level A), intermediate grades 4-6 (Level B), middle school grades 6-8 (Level C), and high school grades 9-12 (Level D). In addition, each level contains pages for the lawyer (marked by the scales of…

This annotated bibliography lists approximately 300 documents and source materials directly or indirectly related to the problem of access to justice in rural Alaska. Written materials about the state's history, geography, economics, and culture have often touched upon the justice system and its role in the development of the state. Other works…

This kit for 7-ll year-olds introduces elementary school students to the work of the United Nations (UN). The materials explain the global issues and concerns the UN addresses. Relevant information about the UN and its work is included in each unit, but these must be examined, taught, and understood within the context of the larger issues and…

This kit for 14-16 year-olds introduces high school students to the work of the United Nations (UN). The materials explain the global issues and concerns the UN addresses. Relevant information about the UN and its work is included in each unit, but these must be examined, taught, and understood within the context of the larger issues and ideals.…

The number of juveniles tried as adults increased by 71 percent from 1985 through 1994. A comprehensive look at the growing population of youthful offenders housed in adult facilities and guidance in managing this special needs population is provided. Section 1, "History and Current Realities," includes a brief review of the history of…

This paper advocates the development of democratic practices and opportunities for decision-making at an early age. The paper cites numerous examples of how developmentally appropriate opportunities can be presented in the classroom. The paper outlines ideas for students to be more actively involved in making rules, leadership, classroom…

The results of a performance review of educational programs for youth in residential commitment facilities are presented including background, methodology, and findings. Most juvenile justice students enter residential programs performing below their grade level in reading and math but improve by at least one grade level during their stay.…

This lesson plan for grades 9-12 uses a videotape to examine the difference between the adult and juvenile justice systems. The lesson plan presents objectives, lists materials needed, and details classroom procedures. It also provides a handout on the differences between juveniles and adults before the law and offers information on "The Kent…

Instructions are provided for using an accompanying student text. The materials are designed to supplement secondary world history textbooks. Content focuses on the development of law from the prehistoric period to the Renaissance in Italy. The teacher's guide begins by providing a general overview of the student booklet. For each unit, the guide…