Proposes that the American Personnel and Guidance Association shift its focus to play a more active part in trying to influence public policy, and suggests several ways that this might be accomplished. (Author)

Proposes that theatre teachers should teach students to enter participatory democracy as artists and scholars with the skills to be competent, engaged, and thoughtful citizens. Encourages artists to claim their places as political agents. Advocates the teaching of the artistry of theatre, as well as its history, theory, criticism, and literature…

Contends that population education must address social, religious, and political issues. Early family planning programs have been widened to include migration, life expectancy, and public health, but large sections of the population remain ill-informed on demographic questions. (DMM)

The question of who should provide day care services is an unresolved issue in the current day care debate and a topic now on the national agenda because it is the common concern of a constellation of diverse, highly motivated interest groups. Motivation for extending day care in the United States stems from several factors: among these are the…

The significance of a college education in developing decisionmaking via question forming is emphasized in this brief historical review. Social and political influences are cited. (LBH)

Current efforts towards peace education in Europe and the potential barriers to those efforts need to be understood in the context of the political history of the continent and prior discussion on peace education itself. Beginning with a brief overview of the political situation in Europe at the beginning of the 1990s, some concepts of peace…

By the early 1970's, political and scholarly tides had shifted away from the confidence and optimism of the 1960's. The initial broad consensus on the nation's problems and their solutions declined. An evolution is apparent in the attitudes and pronouncements by popular scholars on the role of federal government and its capacity to bring about…

Reveals that teaching about controversial issues increases students' self-confidence and interest in civic participation. Asserts that the current proliferation of social problems combined with exploitative media coverage necessitates civil and objective study of controversial issues. Includes several examples of, and approaches to, teaching about…

This monograph explores aspects of science and technology in contemporary society and suggests methods for teaching about social policy issues which have resulted from scientific and technological developments. Section one offers an argument for teaching about science and social policy; surveys the sociology, politics, and history of contemporary…

Four issues concerning human values in America will affect the formation of future educational goals. These issues have impact on the development of a values system and on the analytical thought process. First is the need to choose between an emphasis on liberty and an emphasis on equality. Present confusion in American society is illustrated by…

Examines possible reasons for the lack of issues-oriented instruction in social studies classrooms. Provides curriculum suggestions to remedy this, including exploring debatable issues that can be researched and are interesting. Includes 12 instructional strategies designed to maintain student interest and smooth over rough spots. (MJP)

Part of a series which offers educational resources and teaching techniques related to major social issues to high school social studies classroom teachers, the guide focuses on government regulation. The document is presented in four major chapters. Chapter I explores how economic and political science frameworks can be used to analyze policy…

Delineates four compelling reasons for placing bioethical issues, including abortion, in a curricular context. These include linking ethics and civics, preparing informed decision makers, public debate, and studying the future today. Includes activities and questions designed to provide students with a conceptual focus. (MJP)

Maintains that teachers must act a clear role or roles when discussing controversial issues. Discusses the various roles a teacher may assume, including presiding judge, determined advocate, nurturant facilitator, and socratic cross-examiner. Suggests which scenarios may work best with different roles. (MJP)

By focusing on controversial social/political issues in high school American history and social studies courses, classroom teachers can help students develop critical thinking skills. Contemporary issues of a controversial nature are particularly good topics for high school because students are generally familiar with the issues through exposure…