Though citizenship education is a popular mission for public schools, it rests on a feeble conception of democratic citizenship that skirts social and cultural diversity. The article outlines a conception of democratic citizenship that is appropriate to pluralistic societies, and it describes appropriate participation, path, and assimilation in…

Presents a translator's view of an international seminar in the country of Georgia that focused on creating a democratic community of learners (see p340-43, PS534652, in this issue). Discusses perspectives on interactions and tensions among participants. Similarly, delineates personal and professional experiences gained at the seminar. (SD)

Presents the oral histories of two white teachers who taught in white South African schools during apartheid. Both combined pedagogy and politics in their lives as teachers and joined other teachers in the struggle against apartheid. Describes the oral history project, apartheid and education, and oral history methodology. Both teachers spent…

Describes invitational education and its person-centered approach. Explores the framework of invitational education, its four elements (trust, respect, intentionality, optimism), the perceptual tradition and self-concept theory, and other elements of invitational education. Suggests that invitational education's democratic tenets should be applied…

Discusses political liberalism, its major ideological tenets and proponents, and analyzes the criticisms that have been launched against it. Expounds on the various schools of liberalism and the implications of their divergent ideological positions on individuals, society, and government. (RW)

Applauds Anne Raywid's critique of the ASCD's "Public Schools of Choice" monograph in the same "Educational Leadership" issue for advocating the revitalization of public schools and the creation of more democratic governance structures. However, parental choice will be meaningless unless school norms and teacher-student work relationships are…

Defines liberal education as liberation from prejudice through depth of inquiry and a cultural nurturing through breadth of experience in history and literature. Discusses the inherent tension between the democratic polity and the liberal arts institution where all opinions cannot be equal. Sees better citizens emerging from a liberal education.…

In the current educational reform movement, schools have become the new scapegoat for the American economy's increasing failure to compete in the world market. The Bush Administration needs to articulate a vision linking public education to democratic imperatives, rather than the marketplace's narrow demands. Education for empowerment should be a…

This article calls for the revitalization of civic education in schools. Obstacles which must be overcome to achieve this revitalization are discussed, as well as approaches to incorporating civic education into the curriculum. (IAH)

Conservative economists claim that educational-funding amounts and student-achievement levels are unrelated; that schools serving poor children should spend less money more wisely; and that spending increases to reduce inequities is money wasted. Public schools become the enemy, not economic and political injustice. A serious debate on educational…

Since 1945 the postwar confidence in democracy has dimmed, and many democratic institutions, including public education, have attracted sharply hostile criticism. Business management rhetoric has replaced the language of democratic educational leadership. Despite its fragility, democracy is remarkably robust and merits renewal and restoration. All…

At a recent meeting of traditionalist and "politically incorrect" scholars, speakers accused a small but vocal core of academics of allowing their radical anti-Americanism to taint their scholarship and teaching, refusing to question their own assumptions. Increasing restraints on free speech among scholars was also criticized. (MSE)

Describes the elements of a democratic education model currently being used in Scottish schools. The model relies on reflective classroom practice, includes both structure and freedom in the learning environment, provides reproductive and productive forms of learning, and furthers the ideal of democracy through everyday classroom practice.…

Some enlightened approaches to encouraging staff participation and ownership culled from Oregonian school executives include 4 C's (comments, criticisms, complaints, and compliments) advisory committee, 5-minute stand-up staff meetings, potlatches (monthly dinner workshops), "5/10" (short-answer) reports eliciting teacher comments,…

The radical left has disseminated considerable disinformation concerning religious conservatives' supposed "agenda" for America's public schools. Rather than seeking to ban books, impose mandatory prayer, and eliminate school breakfast programs, the Christian Coalition has a mainstream agenda favoring parental rights, drug- and…