This article calls for the revitalization of civic education in schools. Obstacles which must be overcome to achieve this revitalization are discussed, as well as approaches to incorporating civic education into the curriculum. (IAH)

The school life of American students is characterized by powerlessness, boredom, and futility. This article discusses several factors which contribute to this situation and offers an alternative direction for American education. (IAH)

Using the ideas of Paul Ricoeur and Clifford Geertz, this article develops the notion of education as a "text" and analyzes the "hidden curriculum" of that text as it is read by all members of the society. The hypothesis is proposed that education becomes a text about society's myths and sacred beliefs. (TE)

Applies 18th-century educator Horace Webster McGuffey's "Ten Commandments of Character Education" to contemporary schools. Educators shall set a good example, inspire staff, use the formal and hidden curricula, regard parents as partners, stick to basics, use moral language, walk their talk, reward good character, and have a clear…

Even in stories for the very young child it is possible to identify an ideological point of view. Attempts to demonstrate the relationship that exists between the stories children hear and the acculturation process by examining specific children's stories and the values they engender. (MDM)

As presently constituted, open learning suits the ideology of privatization, being narrowly vocational and skill oriented. However, open learning should be genuinely flexible, encourage a liberal approach, and develop critical detachment. (SK)

Presents examples of how standardized testing recognizes, constrains, or dismisses the multifaceted aspects of identities children bring to classrooms and influences the identities of teachers and psychologists whose actions are constrained by a culture that reproduces itself. Challenges readers to take up new models of assessment that not only…

Discusses the importance of out-of-class experiences and reviews the literature on outcomes of this "other" or "informal" curriculum. Argues that, by sharing some data on academic and professional socialization from students, faculty, and departments, most departments do not adequately provide these opportunities. Evaluates barriers to providing…

Summarizes a study exploring the effects of student confrontation on high school teachers' intended curricula. Examines the context of confrontation through 10 urban teachers' discourses. Teachers eliminated controversial content and even altered formal curricula to maintain control and avoid confrontation. Constructing a more meaningful learning…

States that knowledge has disappeared in and from adult education because it is rarely viewed as educational content or a didactic task of instruction. Explains that this is due to both internal and external disciplinary reasons and discusses these reasons in detail. (CMK)

Reports on the personal experience of participating in an alternative high school, a project to reclaim at-risk, talented high school dropouts. Discusses the author's experiences, including fatherhood at a young age, on his way to discovering his artistic talent. Illustrations provided by author. (Author/JDM)

Review of adult education literature reveals the absence of the concept of whiteness and three types of responses: color- blind perspectives, multicultural education, and social justice issues. To widen access involves "barrier thinking": recognition of the implicit messages of discrimination the academy delivers to racial minorities.…

The hidden curriculum in schools is frequently reflected in clothing worn by students. Schools grapple with the implications of dress codes as they relate to the appropriateness of the items students wear and, in this study in particular, to the messages placed upon tee shirts. Legal precedent indicates that schools have the right to eliminate…

The book explores how morality is constructed in school, with the aim of demystifying the process of constructing morality so that it may become a more overt, thoughtful, and purposeful aspect of schooling. The book's chapters are: (1) "Moral Journeys"; (2) "Engaging Moral Complexity"; (3) "Setting the Stage: Green End…

Social feminists insist on the relevance of personal experience and believe that, for changes to occur, it is essential to understand the dynamics of how and why gender roles are perpetuated. Social feminists view the career course of second-career teachers as vulnerable to the covert structures and curriculum of the schools. The social feminist…