This document describes how public education has been a tremendous success for millions of children. It outlines the crucial role played by public education and how, in many cases, public schools are the only place where children receive care, sustenance, safety, and the opportunity to learn. The grand American tradition of public education began…

This study explored democratic learning environments at one research university. The focus was on the qualitative outcomes of a study of one-unit reading and discussion seminars created in response to the events of September 11, 2001. Faculty members created 49 seminars, each of which limited enrollment to 15 students. The findings suggest that…

In this book Philip Woods turns his attention to issues of democracy and leadership. He has provided an eloquent, intellectually compelling and sophisticated account of a new leadership label--democratic leadership. He argues that the purpose of "democratic" leadership is to create and help sustain an environment that enables everyone…

This paper describes the development of a high school social studies course, Citizenship and World Affairs. Course development involved two forms of reflection: deliberative and personalistic. The author's deliberative reflection, reported in part one of the paper, began as he reviewed research regarding how teachers should foster citizenship…

The American Philosopher Henry David Thoreau provides modern students an important perspective on the state and operation of democratic institutions and society. Many critics of his philosophy cite the author's inability to live up to his articulated tenets as grounds to dismiss the exhortative writings as idealistic and implausible. This essay…

Focuses on the wider meaning of the growth of alternative schooling in our society. Suggests that the survival of society depends on the widespread existence of decisionmaking powers, that such power is learned by making decisions, and that alternatives are needed in order that decisions may be made. (Author/DN)

Assesses the contributions of the philosopher/educator Alexander Meiklejohn. Discusses the influences of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Immanuel Kant, and the U.S. Constitution on Meiklejohn's educational theories, which stressed that human freedom and dignity can be enhanced by rigorous examination of U.S. Supreme Court decisions and the meaning of…

The authors criticize Frank Zepezauer's article in the same issue, arguing that changes in educational opportunities for women have already shown positive results and are founded in a commitment to democratic values. (Author/WD)

Because American pluralism has its roots in freedom of conscience, the Constitution places most questions of morals and ideology outside the scope of governmental power. In a democratic society, however, schools must accept responsibility for transmitting to students those values that will help to perpetuate a democratic form of government.…

The modern educator's conscience is explored through a meditative discussion of experience, educational philosophies, and the benefits derived from an educated consciousness in a democracy. (CJ)

Discusses an experiment in moral education at the Cluster School, Cambridge (Massachusetts). Concludes that for those aiming for the application of moral reasoning to the life of the school, the just community approach may prove most promising. (Author/WD)

The Olympic Games concept of open, international athletic competition is being corrupted and distorted by politics. Olympic athletes have become pawns of their governments. (JN)