This issue of "Civic Partners" is a call to action on behalf of American's cities. The issue opens with John W. Gardner's discussion of the "responsibles" whose vision and energy sustain communities. He stresses that all of us are "responsibles." Among the many tasks that face those responsible for urban improvement is the teaching of conflict…

This teacher's guide and student text is the fourth volume in the W. M. Keck Foundation Series. The guide, which is designed to provide instructional support for classroom use of "The Challenge of Governance," gives teachers an opportunity to review content from the National Standards for Civics and Government for High School with…

Asset mapping involves documenting tangible and intangible resources of a community viewed as a place with assets to be preserved and enhanced, not deficits to be remedied. Kretzmann and McKnight (1993) are credited with developing the concept of asset-based community development (ABCD) that draws on appreciative inquiry; recognition of social…

Knowledge and skills needed by lay participants in community development (CD) were proposed by 14 consultants around 10 topical areas. One hundred knowledge and skills statements resulted. The importance of these statements was judged by CD youth leaders and adult specialists. Judgments were factor analyzed, and nine factors emerged. (Author/SSH)

This paper highlights four books that examine issues related to public schools: who public schools belong to, why Americans fund public education, and what is public about it. The paper discusses the major themes of the books, noting existence of a general sense that education matters. (SM)

Presents a lesson plan that not only illuminates a little-known incident in Asian American history but also questions how history is constructed and communicated. Provides an excellent historical account of the draft resistance movement within the Nisei internment camps during World War II. Includes handouts and discussion questions. (MJP)

Recommends that the study of global issues be grounded in the study of war and peace, and urges teaching students that citizens can play an active part in public policy change. Provides nine questions as a basis for an instructional unit and includes a chronology chart and nuclear history of the five major nuclear powers. (NL)

Notes that, despite years of public outcry, children's issues still receive little attention from legislators and others in public policy. Suggests that lack of active commitment and involvement by administrators, teachers, and the public permit this to continue. Offers four key ingredients that together comprise a strategic framework for action…

Maintains that the expansion of voting rights to African Americans and women is an appropriate topic for Social Studies courses. Discusses suffrage in New York state between 1848 and 1920. Includes a table depicting the women's suffrage campaign in New York state and a list of other resources on the topic. (CFR)

Describes the efforts of the Alaska Department of Education and geography educators to develop standards based on the National Geography Standards model. Discusses the statewide public consensus process and includes a chronological table of events. Provides six sample standards and performance criteria from the Alaska 2000 geography standards.…

Maintains that today's students will be soon be functioning in leadership and service roles, making decisions that shape their personal lives and those of others in a world of rapid change and challenge. Discusses student empowerment and maintains that it should be construed as helping all students. (CFR)

Describes teaching about deviance in an introductory sociology course. Uses the "Baby Doe" case as a model. Students role play the courtroom case as a values clarification exercise. Allows students to experience the complexity of such issues firsthand. Finds method is a powerful tool for consciousness raising. (NL)

Asserts that, although there is widespread agreement that civic education is a worthy educational goal, there is little agreement about its content or appropriate instructional methods. Maintains that effective moral education must involve discussion of substantive civic-moral issues and consideration of moral alternatives. Recommends using the…

Examines the nature and activities of the Christian Schools Campaign. The campaign worked to influence educational legislation in England concerning public funding for religious-based schools. Assess the campaign's effectiveness in influencing the 1993 Education Act, which opened the possibility of public funding. (MJP)

The author examines four common myths that still influence individuals regarding their perspective and understanding of the role homeschooling plays in the education of American children. Myth 1 is that homeschooling produces social misfits, stemming from the belief that homeschooled students lack the socialization skills necessary for normal…