A decade ago, before the tech boom collapsed and the digital economy bubble burst, it seemed to some that issues surrounding information technology (IT) might be central to the politics of the early 21st century. But after September 11, 2001, with so much else on everyone's minds, "digital politics" seemed a boring sideshow. Technocrats,…

Too many people become disillusioned by political language because they start with illusions about it--erroneous ideas and unrealistic expectations. It is better to start with realistic attitudes, practical information, and not-so-great expectations. When dealing with political language, expect (1) conflict, arguments and disagreements, and…

Explores reactions among advocates of five distinct political ideologies (conservative, neoconservative, neoliberal, liberal, and radical democratic) to marginalized groups' struggles over the past 50 years for recognition, with specific attention directed toward how these reactions offer different futures in and outside American schools. (RS)

Many U.S. citizens including educators, community leaders, youth workers, other human service persons, and young people tend to be apolitical, timid, cynical, or disdainful about the political process. But knowledge of the political process, when properly applied, is portable wealth and eminently usable power. Every vote can count when backed by…

Analysis of school bond elections in South Dakota and in South Carolina reveal some common patterns that can help school leaders conduct a successful campaign. Key recommendations include the following: (1) assemble a diverse community task force; (2) focus on "yes" voters; (3) plan early and stress personal contact; (4) bring in expert…

Discusses the teaching and practicing of feminism in university-level English-as-a-Second-Language classrooms, focusing on political and social attitudes toward feminism, gender issues, the incorporation of feminist readings and ideas into courses, and classroom practices in regard to citing women as authorities, varying pronoun references, and…