Contends that historical fiction can generate lively discussions among students about relevant social science concepts and contemporary social problems. Discusses why literature is a preferable alternative to many history and social studies textbooks. Presents a literature-based unit for eighth-grade U.S. history. (CFR)

Asserts that, although research can be a powerful resource in guiding and fueling grass-roots social change, the community-based research enterprise often is contentious. Recommends collaborative research studies in which the researchers and practitioners work together from the project's inception. (CFR)

Maintains that education is very important in the philosophy of Britain's New Right political movement. Analyzes the New Right's ideas and values that have influenced the Conservative Party's policies toward preservice teacher education. Argues that teacher education policies should not be seen in isolation. (CFR)

Three studies examined high school and college students' reasoning about issues of abortion, homosexuality, pornography, and incest. In the first study, groups differed in judgments about these issues but not about moral issues in general. Findings of second study paralleled those of first. Third study showed that assumptions associated with…

The cult of ethnicity in general and the Afrocentric campaign in particular do not bode well for U.S. education or for the future of the country. The debate over ethnocentric curricula is traced. Commentaries by R. Walters and D. D'Souza elaborate on issues of multicultural education. (SLD)

Examines human rights violations in education in Guyana, and identifies the socioeconomic factors that produced the current condition. Findings indicate that, although education is highly valued in the culture, the state has abandoned the educational needs of the nation to ensure the survival of the elite political regime. (JB)

Traces the elusive search for a social studies definition since 1916. Explains debate over social studies as social science or as selective use of knowledge to promote citizenship. Attributes social studies' indeterminate focus to its objective of reflecting social reality. Suggests definition should recognize social studies as a field of applied…

The problems of rural children are discussed. Rural children are threatened by many of the same social and health problems that urban children face, complicated by distance, which affects access to health care and other services. Recommendations are made to assure that rural children receive the services they need. (SLD)

In spite of prevailing opinion, U.S. cities are alive and well and continue to play a major role in the nation's social fabric. The federal policies of recent years must be reversed to keep cities functioning as the place where the United States reimagines itself and learns to manage difference. (SLD)

Provides an overview of the history of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the United States. Surveillance data are given for several groups of African Americans, including women and men who have sex with men. AIDS cumulative incidence among African Americans in the next several years is projected. (SLD)

Synthesizes research findings from 10 studies on urban homeless families; and details their demographic characteristics, including the number of children, race, ethnicity, and family composition. Focus is on mothers with children and the effects of homelessness on children. (SLD)

The mental health resources available in American Indian communities fall far short of the demonstrated need, especially for Native American adolescents. The Indian Health Care Amendments of 1990 and 1992 are reviewed, and recommendations are made to facilitate community-based programs for American Indians. (SLD)

Over 150 years, public and professional awareness of child sexual abuse has emerged and been suppressed repeatedly. Research now indicates the prevalence of sexual abuse and its injurious impact on human development, but in the contemporary mental health professions, courts, and media, a backlash has emerged against the latest discovery of child…

Examines cultural dynamics resulting from the interactions of minority Latino high school students and their "majority" teachers in an inner-city Los Angeles (California) high school. School represents an arena in which the boundary between Latino and Anglo culture and the cultural identity of the educational system are being negotiated.…

Compares differences in resource exploitation and energy development in Louisiana and western mineral-producing states. Identifies socioeconomic impacts of Louisiana's offshore drilling and western coal, oil, and natural gas mining, noting the boom and bust cycles and "hyperurbanization" that attends both. Stresses the necessity of…