Argues that the authoritarian structure of most schools impedes the socialization of children into competent young adults. Concludes that encouraging student participation in decision-making promotes social growth, improves academic performance, and develops citizen participation skills. (Auththor/DB)

Evaluates major issues relating to censorship of public school curriculum, including academic freedom, democratic values, the will of the majority, and teacher rights. Concludes that teachers should have the major role in determining curriculum because of their unique qualifications and professional training. (Author/DB)

The importance of studying Athenian democracy is emphasized. Suggestions and source materials for teaching Athenian democracy are presented, and a teaching method is detailed. (SW)

The theoretical and practical sides of Rousseau's conception of democracy as a new science of man are discussed. (DB)

Focuses on five types of political alienation: estrangement; negative evaluation of the American political system, negative evaluation of the competence of public officials, negative evaluation of the motives of public officials, and rejection of the institution of elections. (Author/AM)

Recommends parent participation in all aspects of the educational system. A better system of communication between students, teachers, parents, and administrators could increase community involvement. (Author/DB)

Argues that the problems of democracy concern how to permit intelligence and effectiveness to be brought to bear in the reestablishment of self-governance, self-determination, self-adjustment, and self-definition. This problem is the basic one, and begins to be resolved the moment that we start acting and thinking as self-governing,…

Reviews the political history surrounding the development of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. Includes a shortened and simplified version of the major articles of the Ordinance. Identifies three instructional resources for teaching about the Northwest Ordinance in secondary schools. (JDH)

Focusing on the ethical quality of political rhetoric, maintains that Reagan's efforts to justify the invasion and occupation of Grenada must be evaluated by democracy's need for free and open debate. Argues that Reagan's rhetoric violated these ethical standards numerous times by distorting and/or misrepresenting relevant evidence and arguments.…

Horace Mann's goal of creating a common school that brings our society's children together in mutual respect and common learning need not be frustrated by residential segregation and geographical separation of the haves and have-nots. Massachusetts' new common school vision boasts a Metro Program for minority students, 80 magnet schools, and…

Together, elementary teachers and principals can generate a climate for citizenship education which instills in today's young people the ability to become the enlightened social decision makers of tomorrow. Why change is needed and how to foster it are discussed. (MT)

Concludes that teachers reinforce behavior characteristics in students that they really do not believe are best for them. Argues that the educational system may be giving too much priority to making students successful and thus limiting the prospects for social reform. (FL)

Most of the research literature suggests that ability grouping denies quality of educational opportunity. Educational selection systems, such as ability grouping, are less concerned with education than they are with socializing students' attitudes, personalities, and behaviors into work roles. (RM)

One hundred ninety-nine American and 204 British university students were surveyed. They shared similar, strongly positive attitudes towards democratic "rules of the game," such as free speech, the role of law, and equality. But Americans showed a greater trust of government and a stronger sense of being able to affect the political…

Historical antecedents of modern constitutionalism are examined, and the concepts of citizen participation, civic responsibility, and limitation of government are explained in that context. Students must be exposed to the constitutional basics--why the document is retained, what values it incorporates, and where it has succeeded and failed. (PP)