Issues pertaining to children often struggle to become public policy priorities. A clear demonstration of this phenomenon is the degree to which children are supported in the federal budget in comparison to other priorities. If issues pertaining to children struggle for the policy spotlight, subissues pertaining to them face an even greater…

To help high school students understand their political world, particularly in an election year, the article describes a teaching approach based on a comparison of political terminology to the transmission shift on an automobile. (DB)

Governors and other politicians are beginning to broach the issue of vouchers again. If so, the issue could generate heated debate rivaling that caused by merit pay. (Author)

A model presidential nominating convention gathered 4,000 students from three states in May 1984 and selected Gary Hart as the Democratic nominee. Preconvention training prepares students to run the convention themselves while learning the political process in action. (MD)

There is widespread consensus worldwide that improving the performance of education systems is necessary to advance socioeconomic development, reduce inequality, enhance economic competitiveness of nations, and possibly fortify governmental institutions. This paper explores the political conditions that may enhance or hinder the adoption of…

Education professors are being attacked for the way they prepare people to teach. This criticism is not well founded; teacher preparation programs are being made scapegoats so that the public can avoid facing the hard facts that constitute the core of the problems within the teaching profession. Nowhere has the attack on teacher education been…

This article is a report of a campaign game that was formulated in order to introduce the student to the realities of political campaigning. Post-game tests indicated that the game generally increased political interest and had little effect on measured political attitudes such as efficacy, saliency and alienation. (Author)

Describes a college course dealing with comparative state politics. Students learn about the way in which political scientists employ the study of American state politics as a "laboratory" for the development of scientific explanations of political phenomena. (RM)

This report proposes 40 specific steps that can be taken to strengthen arts advocacy efforts in the region of the United States. Some steps can be taken immediately; others may take time to realize. There are five primary areas of recommended activities in this strategy, with simple "how to get started" instructions: (1)…

Many educators in high schools and colleges have taught about European history and politics in the context of the Cold War and the division of Europe into two blocs. The revolutionary changes in 1989 and the collapse of the Soviet Union have made obsolete the superpower spheres of influence that divided Europe. This curriculum project contributes…

Maintains there is a positive correlation between the study of ideologies and democracy, stressing that political theorists should teach political ideologies. Examines the current debate over the study of ideologies and the history of ideology. Suggests ways studying ideologies teaches students democratic values, and defines democratic thinking as…

A school fund-raising drive for a young cancer victim at Twality Junior High School in Tigard, Oregon, became a legal hassle with the involvement of a professional fund-raising organization being investigated for mishandling funds. Advises making a thorough background check before letting anyone take custody of funds raised through the school.…

Traces the evolution of the National Security Council (NSC) under President Reagan. Examines the structure of the Reagan NSC and compares the structure of the Reagan NSC to that of his predecessors. Analyzes the rebuilding of the NSC in the aftermath of the Iran Contra Affair and the policy mistakes of the NSC in that affair. (RW)

This book takes a critical view of both the far right and far left positions concerning higher education, arguing that both sides aim to indoctrinate students in specific cultural and political dogmas and are in fact engaging in "politics by other means," whereas the purpose of genuine education should be to foster critical thinking and…

Assesses Reagan's defense policy and programs, contending that arms control negotiations were not integral to the administration's policies. Discusses the reestablishment of public support for U.S. globalism, and examines the use of U.S. military forces during the Reagan years. Analyzes Reagan's efforts at breaking the Vietnam Syndrome. (RW)