Discusses the actual subjects of study in science-technology-society (STS) education. The article looks at why it is being promoted, on what grounds, and by whom. It notes what alternative views compete with it, who will benefit, what constraints should be acknowledged, and what consequences can be anticipated. (SM)

Describes the early history of the juvenile court system and ties it to the reforms of the U.S. Progressive Era. Examines the arguments of those who call for the abolition of juvenile courts. Concludes that much of the criticism is misplaced and that efforts should be made to make juvenile courts work rather than abolish them. (CFR)

Discusses student projects and learning activities used in an Australian elementary school to teach about the United Nations. Asserts that the students viewed the UN General Assembly as a parliament during a role-playing activity. Describes the role that the school's student council played during the schoolwide project. (CFR)

Observations of an elementary school in Florence (Italy) show the strengths and weaknesses of the Italian school system and its implications for education in the United States. The homogeneity of values and culture that characterize the Italian classroom are in marked contrast to the classroom of a U.S. city. (SLD)

Identifies fundamental educational values that have been incorporated into the Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for Electronic Learners, including equality of access; active, responsible citizenship; control over personal information; freedom of speech; respect for work of others; and responsibility to conserve and protect resources. (LRW)

Critiques views of the one-room country school experience in the Midwest states. Describes advances an alternative interpretation grounded in the social, political, and economic circumstances that impinged on local institutions, arguing that these schools may not have been the "laboratories of democracy" that conventional wisdom calls…

Describes the origins and development of cultural pluralism in the United States. Proposes four theoretical approaches to pluralism. Concludes that coexistence multiculturalism offers the greatest potential for developing mutual understanding among many races and ethnic groups. (CFR)

Business should participate in school reform but has too narrow a perspective to guide it. Nationalizing education through comparative testing is a move to cut spending for social services, to increase accountability and efficiency without increasing financial responsibility or equity. Imposing private-sector rules on public education undermines…

Describes and discusses three explanations of academic achievement: (1) cultural deprivation theory; (2) cultural difference theory; and (3) postmodern discourse-practice. Applies these theories to multicultural education. Argues that social studies teachers must transform their thinking and create classrooms that promote democratic ideals. (CFR)

Discusses the concept of participatory citizenship in a democracy. Describes the origin and development of the Close Up Foundation, which sponsors study trips for secondary students to Washington, D.C. Asserts that the teaching methods and materials used in the program promote effective learning and citizen participation. (CFR)

Reviews the debate concerning the impact of Afrocentric education and multicultural education on U.S. history instruction and course content. Responds to criticisms of Afrocentric education by historians Diane Ravitch and Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. Contends that multicultural education can help recognize divisions in U.S. society and show a…

Discusses the potential impact that the America 2000 reform effort might have on social studies and citizenship education. Argues that the preoccupation of America 2000 and the business community is short-sighted. Calls for social studies educators to recommit themselves. (CF)

Provides a series of five classroom activities designed to teach about the interaction of culture and law in India. Explains that the tension between constitutional democracy and ancient traditions represents a serious challenge to India. Includes a map, four student readings, and a list of eight resources. (CFR)

Dean of International University Learning Center (Kyoto, Japan) argues that traditional educational systems disregard developmental needs of children and prevent change by perpetuating societal values. The idea that children need to develop as an integral part of their natural and social systems is discussed in relation to alternative education…

Summarizes negative aspects of computer technology and problems inherent in the field of digital imaging. Considers the postmodernist response that borrowing and alteration are essential characteristics of the technology. Discusses the implications of this for education and research. (MJP)