This study considered the impact of the SERVE Program upon participating college students' belief in the American Dream. The SERVE Program is a community service learning program sponsored by the philosophy and theology departments at Ignatius University. Using a mixed methods approach, the authors found that participating students demonstrated…

This paper examines the democratic changes that have occurred in the Czech Republic since 1989 and identifies three universal problems a democracy must address. Those problems include: (1) the problem of limits for majority rule; (2) the problem of limits for personal liberty and the power of government; and (3) the problem of limits for positive…

The 1830s marked a lush first flowering of democratic journalism in America--participatory journalism of the sort that Alexis de Tocqueville heralded. But contrary to standard journalism history, this democratic press had nothing to do with the rise of the penny press; in fact, William Lloyd Garrison's abolitionist paper, "The…

Democratic ideals are not known instinctively, but must be purposely taught, for an educated, informed citizenry is vital to the well-being of every democracy. The essential assumptions and values of democracy include the principle of inalienable rights, respect for certain institutions such as a representative government, an independent…

Thomas Jefferson believed that no generation should be bounded by the dead hand of the past. If reincarnated, he would probably disown attempts to use his own precepts for either censure or praise of contemporary movements. He would instead ask us to solve our own problems by using our minds creatively in the context of a politically free society.…

Outlines considerations to determine if a particular school will benefit from employing values clarification techniques. (MLF)

Reports research which indicates current economics curricula fail to significantly influence student commitment to the normative foundations of the free enterprise system. Demonstrates how schools have potential for teaching economic values to youth. Concludes economic education should include latent and manifest curricula to better develop…

Examines how John Locke's views on limited government, constitutional supremacy, republicanism, and internal checks and balances are represented in the U.S. Constitution. (Author/BSR)

Points out that Ralph Smith's article, "A Question of Elitism," offers useful distinctions for advancing the cause of elitism in education. Contends that excellence and democratic values are indeed compatible. (BSR)

Explores issues in the developing area of emancipatory research. Defines the concept of "research as praxis," examines it in the context of social science research, and discusses examples of empirical research designed to advance emancipatory knowledge. (Author/CT)

Special programs for gifted and talented children cannot be justified. A program of education for gifts and talents is proposed. Since it would be open to all, it would naturally serve the special educational needs of the precocious in a way that is less morally problematic than selective programs. (MT)

This article explores the impacts of school leaders on the school curriculums of preparing students to life. Even if the school leaders and teachers are expert in their area related to the functions of the schools, it seems that schools are failing in the preparation of the students to life. The school leaders may play an important role to…

This book helps teachers decode issues of character and discipline by offering practical ideas and research-driven theories that not only promote democratic values in teaching but also explain how to use those values when classroom management skills are being tested. The book provides examples of how practicing teachers evaluate and remedy…

The three equally valid usages of democracy in the modern world are not true democracies but simply different types of democratic government, making the teaching of democracy a difficult task. (Author/JB)