Changes in library services due to advancing information technology constitute a revolution comparable to invention of the printing press. Democratization of access to knowledge is a positive development, but it should not be confused with democratization of knowledge. This is where any system of information networking may be misleading; in…

Democratic societies require citizens committed to realizing democratic ideals. Multicultural education helps unify a nation deeply divided along racial, ethnic, and class lines. Research documents schoolchildren's biases, showing that multicultural materials and cooperative teaching strategies can help them develop more positive attitudes and…

Governor Jeb Bush and a Republican-dominated legislature have legislated a sweeping revision of the Florida education code that could qualify 150,000 of the state's 2.3 million public-school students for vouchers. A convenient diversion from true school reform, Bush's Opportunity Scholarship Program will be judged unconstitutional. (MLH)

Explores implications of the globalization/localization process for state feminism, focusing on Australia. Localization is one response to globalization, exemplified by devolution to self-managing schools. However, global/local relations have gendered effects that resonate cross-nationally. Problems will emerge as the state withdraws from its…

"Teaching for Social Justice," by Ayers, Hunt, and Quinn, advocates inclusion of social-justice concerns as part of schools' official curriculum. Although the authors do not move some issues far enough, the book can serve as a primer for teachers concerned about social justice and democratic values. (MLH)

Shares experiences of one teacher and two administrators attempting to implement critically oriented, democratic practices in their school systems. Examines three specific events and interrogates them through scientific, critical, and postmodern lenses. Presents five suggestions to unshackle practitioners from educational traditions that neglect…

To make rational choices about educational technology, educators must examine the place of technology in institutional change. Technophiles predict a revolution in education, but it is important to separate this enthusiasm, and misconceptions that accompany it, from the realities of higher education. Democratic values should be allowed to operate…

Research shows that many students lack civic engagement, civic literacy, and the disposition toward becoming responsible citizens. Teachers must convey the meaning of citizenship and its context, rights, and responsibilities. Project Citizen, Outward Bound, and service learning programs can help students learn democratic participation behaviors.…

As a pedagogy for citizenship, academic service learning offers students the opportunity to experience and reflect on how citizens organize to bring their communities and their country closer to democracy. The three-course Democracy Project at Swarthmore College (Pennsylvania) illustrates how this approach can be developed within a college…

Explores the field of educational technology as a modern project that has capitalized classrooms, highlighting efforts to reclaim the field for student interests; discussing how formation of the field has constrained its practice, especially around race, gender, and power; examining the commodification of students and construction of subjectivity;…

Muses on reasons why the education community seems to have an inherent inferiority complex when compared to other university fields. Contends that this is the result of refusing to adopt the position that educators must engage the need to control and ethically use the power that comes with their knowledge. (DSK)

Articulates parameters for a democratic philosophy of sexual education. Aims to accommodate ideological pluralism related to sexuality while simultaneously ensuring the provision of the necessary information and skills to facilitate sexual health. Proposes that sexuality education ought to be centered on the democratic consensus on the right to…

Describes a hypothetical elementary school that is centered on social studies and social action, focusing on three practices at such a school: democratic education, education for social justice, and community service learning. Challenges to social action in U.S. schools include teachers' time limitations, curriculum standards, and emphasis on…

Explores three social-studies teachers' conceptions of classroom discussion, focusing on discussion's defining characteristics and purpose and influences on usage. Data included interview and think-aloud responses and classroom observations. Teachers view discussion as recitation, teacher-directed conversation, open-ended exploration, a…

For the Educational Left to gain emancipatory ground, the outcome-based education reform movement must be considered as a hopeful democratic sign. This article analyzes and critiques OBE, arguing that teachers must assume personal responsibility for grounding democratic hope within policy. A transitory democratic framework may prove a useful…