In California, there is growing rift between haves and have-nots that threatens society's long-term safety and security. Efforts are under way (via proposed school choice/voucher program) to formalize this division by creating a separate school system for each ethnic group. The national push toward public school choice is relatively benign, but…

Third World countries have lacked the resources to invest in economic and academic development. The source lies in gross inequities between industrialized and developing countries. Globalization of markets has not benefited Latin America. Militarism, corruption, poverty, and social injustice can only be eradicated by incorporating strong…

Considers the process of democratizing teacher education in Poland, focusing on the long-term effects of the country's totalitarian history on individuals' ability to take responsibility for their own and others' actions. Describes recent projects aimed at enlarging knowledge about democracy and the training skills necessary for social…

According to Education Minister Edward Dneprov, the Russian Republic's education policy has two major pillars--democratization and "humanitization" (stressing the humanities and a truly child-centered curriculum). A market economy is not incompatible with humanistic aims, but it is not the driving force behind them. The flagging economy…

Offers a sampling of available ERIC documents and journal articles dealing with teaching world history in high school. Provides bibliographic information and a short description of each piece. (DK)

Although democratic school administration offers great promise, U.S. education cannot reach its full stature through intraprofessional advancement only. As transmitters and sifters of our cultural heritage, teachers have serious community obligations. To stimulate social progress, counteract antischool forces, and widen children's learning…

Discusses social justice in education, specifically gender issues. Explores how rightist governments in advanced industrialized societies have tried to implement an agenda of parental choice and standards, in contrast to earlier liberal administrations' efforts to reduce differences between families and involve mothers in children's education.…

Discusses the debate between those who fear that multiculturalism will destroy the cultural unity of the United States and those who believe that diversity is essential to democracy. Explores the role of social studies as the curriculum area designated to educate citizens for democratic participation. Addresses the growing problem of economic…

Curricular framework in a democracy must move away from delivery of "self-evident" truths to a more open-ended, problem-centered structure. It must recognize the historical development of social issues and nurture the skills for broadening opportunities for individuals within society. This article describes a Honolulu high school's…

Project SHAPE is a two-year intervention and enrichment program for underachieving and educationally disadvantaged ninth and tenth grade students in Toledo, Ohio. Operating through teacher empowerment; curriculum development; structural organization; and student, parent, and community involvement, SHAPE's goals are developing an academically…

Although academic seminars offered on homecoming weekend have always been popular at Colorado College, the centerpiece of the alumni continuing education program is a course on "Freedom and Authority." Registrants for the two-hour class receive reading materials through the mail, a faculty member leads small-group discussion of the…

Examines the governance style of the local school councils (LSCs) to determine the extent to which they are operating in a democratic, open, and participatory manner. It looks at the politics as manifested in LSCs and determines whether democracy exists in this site of power and, if it does, whether it is encouraged in school politics overall.…

Asserts that majority rule in a democratic society follows a cyclical pattern. Discusses the paradox between the concept of majority rule and protection of the rights of voting minorities. Compares the difficulty of achieving democracy to that of achieving justice through jury trials. (CFR)

When citizen groups opposed their reform efforts, one Michigan district was intimidated by an ultrafundamentalist media campaign and petition drive, whereas the other welcomed democratic discussion and gradually regained public confidence. Opposition groups capitalized on the districts' lack of preparation, filling the void with their own…

Teachers are limited in their power to control professional development. Even with good promotional efforts, teacher development often is unconnected to broader questions about education in a democratic society. The paper argues for genuine efforts to promote teacher development that are connected to promotion of equity and social justice. (SM)