Critical/feminist pedagogy provides a framework for teacher education in a democratic society because it facilitates the development of pedagogical relations that support the acquisition of the skills of democratic participation. The paper discusses these themes and suggests a framework for implementing teacher education supportive of the…

Analyzes the results of a study of Russian college students attitudes towards politics and citizenship. Reveals that, although the students express support and admiration for free market reforms and democracy, they are decidedly indifferent to the political process. Correlates these attitudes with students' positions in campus organizations. (MJP)

Provides an instructive overview of the responsibilities of the police and the rights of the citizen concerning criminal investigations. Briefly describes the protections afforded by the fourth, fifth, sixth, eighth, and fourteenth amendments. Includes a learning activity involving a legal analysis of situations. (MJP)

South African development and education policy documents were analyzed to examine postapartheid government goals concerning educational equality and social justice. Documents concerning equity of educational access, quality, outcomes, and governance reveal a shift from a populist social-democratic orientation to a conservative neoliberal position,…

Examines democracy as a social and political system. Defines democracy as an evolving process that moves toward consensus whereby citizens exercise their sovereignty in government based on values and laws. Identifies two cornerstones of democracy: sovereignty of the people and individual rights. Explores the guardianship role of education in…

Discusses the tension between civic virtue and individual freedom, a challenge for education, and proposes a "state of democratic education" which leaves maximum moral room for citizens to shape their society in an image that they can identify with their moral choices. The evolution/creationism case is discussed as an example. (IAH)

Redefines citizenship for a strong democracy. Notes that action-oriented citizens have a wide range of tasks such as debate and deliberation on policy, and formulating agenda. Contends that in order to effectively participate in the public realm and to take public action, citizens must learn how to engage in political or public talk. (SLM)

The progress of postapartheid curriculum in South Africa's universities is examined, beginning with examination of the apartheid legacy in higher education and proceeding to the politics of changes in national educational policy. It is concluded that, despite efforts to change policy at the national level, universities have done little to…

Maintains that E. D. Hirsch's book, "Cultural Literacy," is based on an anthropological rather than a normative view of societies and, therefore, does not claim that one society is more cultured than another. Concludes that historical understanding or other forms of cultural literacy requires wider criteria of significance than Hirsch…

Presents an interview with Cornel West, author of "Race Matters" and "Keeping Faith," about cultural pluralism, racial relations, and democratic values. Concludes that the ongoing struggle for justice is an integral element of what it means to be an American. (CFR)

Contends that social studies suffers from a lack of a clear and solid foundation. Maintains that the principles, content, and practices of democracy should be considered as the foundation for social studies education. (CFR)

Maintains that the National Council for the Social Studies national standards advocate understanding of and participation in democratic citizenship by all students, including those at the elementary level. Provides recommendations for developing a democratic classroom and building a democratic school community. (CFR)

An unnatural, selective school crisis envelopes the poor, the cities, and Latino and African American communities. Structures of privilege and oppression apparent in the larger society are mirrored in schools. The perspectives of principal Deborah Meier, novelist Toni Morrison, and poet Adrienne Rich lend credence to empowerment and…

Discusses the importance of fostering conversation about difficult issues such as racism and injustice. Offers six guidelines for teacher facilitated group discussions in the classroom about sensitive issues that cover planning, goals, setting the stage, rules, and encouraging openness. (JB)

Describes efforts toward human rights education in Europe and how these efforts might be utilized in teaching about children's rights. Offers examples of work to help children acquire a sense of their community and its structures. Includes student drafted charters and declarations, children's councils, cooperative education, and community service.…