This paper examines the notions of individualism and schooling, then articulates ideas and practices found in the Harmony School (Bloomington, Indiana), an independent, democratic school, that public schools have incorporated into their programs. (SM)

Provides a schema of U.S. political values with accompanying definitions and quotations, meant to serve as a supplement in teaching U.S. political values and citizenship. Includes suggestions for using the schema in the classroom. (LS)

Despite theoretical weaknesses, postmodernism offers educators important insights that can be incorporated in a broader theory of schooling and critical pedagogy. Argues that the best elements of modernist and postmodernist discourses should be combined to create a pedagogy and politics that reclaim and reinvigorate the possibilities of a radical…

Presents an overview of Turner's thesis that the migration westward produced a unique democratic tradition and a distinctive American character. Discusses Richard Hofstadter's and Ray Allen Bellington's reactions to this thesis. Notes the concepts of Bellington in support of Turner' thesis and those concepts of Hofstadter that oppose Turner's…

There exists a crisis of inequality in our education system. The concepts of the democratic school and of school and community-based teacher education, which can contribute to alleviating this inequality, represent an important yet neglected component of the reform agenda for teacher education. (IAH)

Characterizes the social, political, and economic climate underlying educational dilemmas and visions in Czechoslovakia and other Eastern European countries after the fall of communism. Discusses the debate between state control of education and liberal educational approaches facing the area and stresses the importance of teachers in the shaping…

Examines recent developments related to the teaching of values in public schools. Maintains that the character education movement supports direct teaching of a set of core values designed to foster civic virtue. Discusses the "six pillars of character" being promoted in the United States by the Character Education Partnership. (CFR)

Reviews theory and research on the relationship between classroom climate and citizenship outcomes in elementary settings. Compares democratic learning environments described by three studies. Suggests that free expression, peer interaction in cooperative activities, respect for diverse viewpoints, and student participation in decision making…

Discusses multicultural education and critiques some approaches to multiculturalism taken by the political Left. Argues for the "human values" that underpin democracy and their presence in all cultures. Examines the cultural and political history of the Chinese and the legacy of the Chinese philosopher, Confucius, and his thought. (JB)

National education goals are admirable, but achieving them democratically will be challenging, in the face of growing child poverty and current standardization efforts. Contributors to this special issue are "transformationists" advocating new definitions of school curriculum; new organizational arrangements to promote diversity;…

America is too diverse and teachers, parents, and community members are too skeptical to buy a one-size-fits-all curriculum. Four goals should drive reform: education for a changing economy, for continuing learning, for citizenship, and for personal growth and health. Governments, colleges, businesses, and the media have important supportive…

Discusses three different approaches to child rearing: autocratic, anarchic, and democratic. Maintains that the use of each approach results in the development of a particular kind of character and behavior in the child. Also discusses John Dewey's efforts to define democratic character and his experiments with teacher attempts to develop this…

Suggests incorporating critical viewing concepts and skills into social studies education to combat the influence of daily television viewing and to ensure a democratic society. Contends that children lack the concepts and skills necessary to make viewing judgments. Finds television negatively impacts on learning and decision making. (NL)

Examines the university's mission of serving as a fortress for freedom of speech, inquiry, and criticism in a democracy to be pursued in a climate of political and academic freedom. Three other aspects of democracy in the university (equal access, governance, and public utility of the university) are discussed. (SM)

Discusses the history of citizenship education in Sweden during the twentieth century. Maintains that struggles for power in society have implications for citizen education in the schools. Reviews recent trends and changes in the Swedish educational system and the impact on citizenship education. (CFR)