Outlines Thomas Jefferson's views of classic philosophical writers and various interpretations of their views on morality and epicureanism. Explains why teaching ancient and medieval political philosophy is necessary as an ethical supplement to U.S. political thought. States liberal democracy depends on the tension between reason and revelation.…

Describes the integrated comprehensive school (ICS) in Germany, where, as of 1988, 90 percent of all students attended traditional schools. Traces the history of comprehensive schools in Germany and examines their philosophy and objectives. States comprehensive schooling cannot create equal social entitlements but can encourage all students to…

Examines the extent to which the following reform proposals have students' development of critical thinking skills as their aim: (1) the National Commission on Excellence in Education's "A Nation at Risk"; (2) Ernest Boyer's "High School: A Report on Secondary Education in America"; and (3) the Carnegie Foundation for the…

Two recent reports show girls' performance in math and verbal skills is lower than boys' and that the gap steadily increases during the high school years. Girls' self-esteem also erodes during late adolescence. An extensive study of small-town high schools disclosed glaring gender inequities and lack of principal awareness. Principals must…

School boards often must try to hammer together a consensus on difficult issues. A Colorado school district handled the issue of sex education by using the tools of democracy. The school board's role was to broker the dialog, to clarify community values, and to provide a detailed challenge process for citizens who disagree with the board's…

Reviews changes in the educational systems of South American nations since the transition to democratic governments in the 1980s. Maintains that South American policymakers and citizens understand that continued economic and political progress must be based on schools and universities. Argues that low pay and status for teachers is a major barrier…

Describes a criminal case decided in the People's Republic of China in March 1991. Discusses the development of the modern Chinese legal system. Compares criminal law in China and the United States. (CFR)

Presents a series of classroom activities comparing differing views of human rights in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and People's Rights. Includes excerpts from the African Charter on Human and People's Rights and the full text of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. (CFR)

Oregon's statewide social-studies assessment (a randomized, multiple-choice maze) is part of a "democratic" national standards movement that threatens good teaching and multicultural studies. If multiculturalism's key goal is accounting for historical influences on current social realities, then Oregon's standards and tests earn a…

Argues for liberating factors in education (student-centered practice, open-ended discussion, and art as a subject). Describes the "Visual Thinking Strategies" teaching method, which focuses on structured but open, group discussions about diverse art objects in order to help viewers develop a rapport with art, increase aesthetic…

Examines the experience of one school in South Africa that has not only desegregated its intake but has also attempted to democratize its management structures in order to teach democratic values through experience and in particular to foster a climate of mutual respect among students so as to decrease racial distrust. Contains 8 references. (VWC)

Americans' commitment to local control, expanded educational opportunities, and form over substance have made standards a hard sell. Education is becoming a private good to serve consumers' individual interests, not a public good serving broader public interests. A consumerist approach to standards stresses schools' sorting function. (MLH)

In Texas, control of schooling has shifted from the public toward business-controlled management accountability systems--exemplified in the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills ("the Texas Accountability System"). TAAS adversely affects teaching and learning by mandating a "test-prep" noncurriculum, discriminating against…

Young people's growing commitment to contribute voluntarily to larger issues through service is well documented. National service is not a single federal program, but a national purpose beginning with service learning in school and linked with community-based youth development organizations and higher education. Resources are listed. (Contaians 27…

Discusses the controversial issues involved in the jury systems, such as jury selection, jury service, civic participation, and the role of the mass media. Stresses the importance of maintaining the public courtroom as a means for encouraging fair trials and not allowing closed courtrooms. Provides an accompanying article, "The Citizen's Jury," by…