Outlines a strategy for using popular films in a sociology course to demonstrate the international nature of selected domestic social problems. Details two films, "El Norte" and "Cry Freedom," in terms of their storyline, preparatory lecture materials, sociological issues, students' reactions, and practical matters of use. (DB)

Sensitive topics raise issues of ethics, politics, and legal aspects of research. There is concern for participants' rights and groups who may be affected by research. Notes that some argue research funding tends to serve the interests of the powerful by excluding support for research on issues detrimental to their interests. (NL)

Describes a telecommunications project in which junior high students had the opportunity to communicate with inmates at a state maximum security prison and to hear from inmates how wrong choices, such as joining a gang, can lead to disastrous consequences. (SR)

This article examines the use of theater in secondary education to highlight social issues and enhance students' lives. Several examples of plays and the subjects approached are briefly discussed. The article concludes with a list of theater companies that can be used as resources. (GLR)

How to get young people to find status and prestige within a law-abiding society presents the most promising, although most difficult, solution to crime. It continues to be the most ignored and underfunded dimension within the political-legal-therapeutic process that attempts to prevent and control delinquent and criminal behavior. (SLD)

Reports on a study of 38 social problems textbooks and their treatment of issues related to poverty. Points out that most of the books ignore poverty's historical background and the impact of the 1980s on poverty. Includes questions used for analyses and a list of the reviewed textbooks. (CFR)

Serves as an introduction to seven articles which focus on the differences between school renewal and school reform and their implications in a democratic society. Embedded in both terms are basic views of the world, human nature, and the way individuals do business. Renewal considers matters of justice, equity, and diversity; reform affirms…

Describes and evaluates a seminar course taught jointly between Stanford University and Sweden's Royal Institute of Technology using video-conferencing over the Internet. The need to address social issues in addition to technological issues is discussed, and participant evaluations are reported. (Author/LRW)

Identifies leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the United States, describes youth behavior that contributes to these causes, and outlines ways in which a school program might address these health and social problems among students. Also describes research and development strategies to help schools implement health programs and suggests…

Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome (GTS) is considered a neuropsychiatric condition characterized by multiple motor and vocal tics. With some cases, a variety of neurocognitive, social, and emotional difficulties are present. Describes core features of GTS and highlights how symptoms and their features may interfere with school functioning. School…

The Character Education Partnership, a national coalition, has developed 11 principles to help students internalize desirable societal values. Successful character-education programs require committed school leadership, a common vocabulary, staff development, integration with academics, a focus on respect for others, and service learning. Program…

Discusses results of a survey of youth experts who work with or for teens in libraries, schools, and other areas to determine the most important issues affecting youth. Highlights include intellectual freedom; information access; reading; literacy; social issues, including youth violence; teen culture, including Internet chat; education issues;…

Argues against the international project called "Sex Education for the Schoolchildren of Russia" that is a sex education program intended for students in the seventh through ninth grades and is carried out by the Ministry of General and Professional Education of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation…

Highlights the work of author/illustrator Patricia Polacco. Discusses her picture books in terms of themes, including family stories; "passed down" stories featuring a babushka; stories that emphasize diverse communities; stories that contain magic or a miracle; and stories that help to raise social consciousness. (SR)

Discusses the need for professionals in the field of behavioral disorders to take a leadership role in addressing larger issues and problems of great concern to our society, including ensuring school safety, identifying children vulnerable to gang membership, dropout prevention, and youth violence. (CR)