The American Philosopher Henry David Thoreau provides modern students an important perspective on the state and operation of democratic institutions and society. Many critics of his philosophy cite the author's inability to live up to his articulated tenets as grounds to dismiss the exhortative writings as idealistic and implausible. This essay…

Focuses on the wider meaning of the growth of alternative schooling in our society. Suggests that the survival of society depends on the widespread existence of decisionmaking powers, that such power is learned by making decisions, and that alternatives are needed in order that decisions may be made. (Author/DN)

Assesses the contributions of the philosopher/educator Alexander Meiklejohn. Discusses the influences of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Immanuel Kant, and the U.S. Constitution on Meiklejohn's educational theories, which stressed that human freedom and dignity can be enhanced by rigorous examination of U.S. Supreme Court decisions and the meaning of…

The authors criticize Frank Zepezauer's article in the same issue, arguing that changes in educational opportunities for women have already shown positive results and are founded in a commitment to democratic values. (Author/WD)

Because American pluralism has its roots in freedom of conscience, the Constitution places most questions of morals and ideology outside the scope of governmental power. In a democratic society, however, schools must accept responsibility for transmitting to students those values that will help to perpetuate a democratic form of government.…

The modern educator's conscience is explored through a meditative discussion of experience, educational philosophies, and the benefits derived from an educated consciousness in a democracy. (CJ)

Discusses an experiment in moral education at the Cluster School, Cambridge (Massachusetts). Concludes that for those aiming for the application of moral reasoning to the life of the school, the just community approach may prove most promising. (Author/WD)

The Olympic Games concept of open, international athletic competition is being corrupted and distorted by politics. Olympic athletes have become pawns of their governments. (JN)

Five articles focus on approaches to training gifted students in leadership skills.

Criticizes the Library of Congress' manner of representing the United States in international attempts to develop universal bibliographic control. Direct involvement by American libraries in international activities is urged, in order that actions taken be decided upon in a democratic fashion. (SW)

Invitational education, a self-concept approach to teaching, learning, and democratic practice, can be used in conflict management in ways that demonstrate mutual respect and provide opportunities for growth. Educators can learn to manage conflicts at the lowest possible level, with the least amount of energy, by employing a (gradually escalating)…

Explores the legitimacy of the partial control over education matters gained by the European Union since the 1970s, examining in particular the role of the European Court of Justice and the European Commission, in reshaping and altering definitions of legal compensation in the fields of education and training. Discusses implications for democratic…

Examines the complex ways that teachers experienced the September 11th attack, discussing its effects on pedagogy and on the urge to have schools participate in a complicated set of patriotic discourses and practices that swept the nation following the event. The paper asserts that educators must recognize their own contradictory responses to the…