This paper examines the dangers of modernism and societal collapse to people with mental retardation and other vulnerable groups, including the dangers brought about by fewer well-functioning families, the medical system, and the human service sector. It emphasizes the growing incidence of "deathmaking" of societally devalued people, and concludes…

Presents impressions of Japanese mathematics education from the viewpoint of a non-Japanese visitor, including classrooms, technology, students, attitudes towards mathematics and science, international contacts, and societal problems. (MKR)

Describes a three-part midterm exercise designed to demonstrate how using general semantics as an analytical tool can increase awareness and improve critical thinking about an issue. Explains each phase of the assignment in detail. Concludes with student responses to the exercise, indicating that the exercise is indeed helpful in analyzing current…

Benefits to the helper are important to consider in a national-service program, along with the benefits to the recipient. Some suggestions are offered to ensure reciprocity in community service. Democratizing help giving, that is making it available to the widest possible audience, could help remove some of the pitfalls associated with help…

States that the adolescent years are timely years for addressing problems of discrimination, prejudice, and cultural differences. Argues that dramatization of the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of characters can provide students with an understanding of those issues. Uses Mildred Taylor's "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" as an example, and…

Provides an annotated bibliography of 12 fiction works and 6 nonfiction works (published between 1976 and 1994) that deal with the themes of prejudice, discrimination, and intolerance of others. Suggests methods of how these works may be used in conjunction with films. (PA)

Explores the importance, rationale, process, and effective use of lesbian, gay, and bisexual speakers' panels as an educational tool to combat homophobia. Successful panels create an atmosphere of emotional safety for panelists and participants. Panels emphasize the sharing of life experiences and facilitate applying the understanding gained to…

Educators of young children must reaffirm their commitment to a bias-free society by advocating developmentally appropriate programs; peaceful conflict resolution; antibias practices in all settings; and research intended to ameliorate the debilitating effects of poverty and discrimination on families. (BB)

Although Hawkins's article in the same "Journal of Curriculum and Supervision" issue suggests some provocative notions surrounding curriculum content and process, his model does not fully address the form the curriculum deliberation process should take or the guiding principles involved. Also, Hawkins overemphasizes the role of learning…

Discusses cultural disintegration and religious, political, and social disputes in light of Columbus' quincentenary. Cites historical encounters between Europeans and native populations of the United States (inability to recognize the human nature of strangers, misunderstanding sexual mores, and rapid degeneration from friendship and simple…

Discussion of the impact of popular music on studying historical and contemporary experiences of U.S. life focuses on the use of music to help social studies teachers convey the controversial nature of the Vietnam War. Songs with related themes are listed, and views of social studies education in popular music are also discussed. (LRW)

At a time of reduced social services funding, some children receive redundant services and others receive none. Fragmentation prevents social service professionals from seeing the cumulative impact of their interventions. Integrated children's services could be enhanced by school restructuring that provided more personal relationships between…

Maintains that advertising can help people become more aware of social responsibilities. Describes a successful nationwide newspaper advertising competition for college students in which ads address social issues such as literacy, drugs, teen suicide, and teen pregnancy. Notes how the ads have helped grassroots programs throughout the United…

Addresses the importance of teaching students the research writing process. Suggests that identifying and selecting social concerns as subject matter will develop student interest while combining meaningful writing experiences with social studies lessons. Reviews an example of research based on social concerns from selection through writing. (DK)

Discussed are efforts originating in the Netherlands to assist the Soviet Union and Eastern European counties to form and carry out significant air and water pollution improvement policies. Examples of proposals and programs being formed are described. (CW)