Briefly discusses Alexis de Tocqueville's observation that the United States is a nation largely defined by its civic and social organizations. Contrasts this with the recent assertion that the nation is suffering a decline in social capital. Proposes a combination of character and citizenship education as a possible remedy for this. (MJP)

Presents a communitarian rationale for character education. Communitarians believe that individual liberties depend upon bolstering the foundations of civil society: families, schools, and neighborhoods. Lists four core areas of focus: character education in the schools, building and rebuilding communities, policies to strengthen the family, and…

Examines the market-oriented policies predominating in Chile's higher education system, based on a loosely-regulated private sector and para-market mechanisms designed to enhance competition among state-supported universities. Analyzes the policies' effects on professional careers, academic degree programs, and higher education funding. Argues for…

Defines corruption as a violation of the duties of office and a negation of the values that should underlie the democratic political and administrative system founded on the rule of law. Examines the reasons for the increase in corruption over the last decade and its internationalization. (MJP)

Reveals the growing threat posed to all countries by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Discusses the international effort combating this proliferation including the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Strategic Arms Reduction Treaties, Biological Weapons Convention, and Chemical Weapons Convention. Also considers regional arms…

At the Search Institute in Minneapolis (Minnesota), researchers study 6th-12th graders nationwide, identifying developmental assets to growing up healthy and happy. They suggest that adults surround children with external assets (support, boundaries and expectations, empowerment, and constructive time use) to help them develop values and skills…

Argues that traditional classroom management, with its emphasis on negative authoritarian rules delivered intact from the teacher, is in direct conflict with the goals and objectives of citizenship education. Proposes an alternative consisting of a collaborative and responsible rule-making effort between the teacher and the class. (MJP)

Presents background information and instructional materials for a lesson plan concerning the interaction between Jackie Robinson and President Eisenhower regarding the integration of public schools in Little Rock, Arkansas. Robinson chided the President for his cautious response to violent opposition to integration. Includes a copy of the…

Critically evaluates the methodologies used in three recent studies on poverty in Latin America. Maintains that some studies measure the relative nature of nutritional poverty while others record the absolute nature of nutritional poverty (physical survival). Includes a comparative analysis of the studies' results. (MJP)

Uses the rapid rise and fall (within two years) of Clinton's industrial technology policy as an example of the creation and delegitimization of political ideas in federal government. Compares the shifting opinions on this policy to similar experiences with other policies, most notably nuclear power. (MJP)

Analyzes data collected from 121 primary education teachers concerning methods of teaching reading. Discovers that the majority of teachers employ a wide range of reading and writing activities. While most schools maintain a devoted commitment to reading instruction, a lack of consistency suggests a more comprehensive policy. (MJP)

Discusses the question of how the problem of defining American "nationality" or citizenship has affected schooling and education since colonial times. Identifies and discusses three traditions of U.S. citizenship. Contends that these traditions have produced innumerable dilemmas and conflicts for public education. (CFR)

Current teacher education programs do not provide appropriate knowledge for teaching minority students. The article focuses on American Indian students as an example. It discusses the value of using students' home language and culture at school, particularly in the early years, and stresses the value of responsive teaching methods. (SM)

Outlines the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 in regard to libraries. Discusses the responsibilities libraries have in hiring disabled persons and providing services, accommodations, and telecommunications, and describes ADA compliance activities in Florida. (96 references/notes) (EA)

Describes two minority educators' approaches to literacy teaching, discussing the literacy debate and cultural relevance. The article examines common threads that make the educators' pedagogy appropriate for teaching African-American students successfully. The article examines how and why teachers of African-American students achieve success. (SM)