Argues that to give hope back to today's youth, communities and educational systems must be restructured. Proposes the concept of a system of schools, indicating that successful school systems use decentralized and shared decision making, encourage substantial changes, embrace diversity, support continuous improvement, and are accountable for…

This article reviews the changing structures and characteristics of the American family and discusses the increased influence of several societal concerns, including poverty, substance abuse, and exposure to violence. These issues are considered in light of their potentially deleterious effects on child and family development and functioning,…

Discusses strategies the government should employ to end violence in the streets: create a Peace Officer Corps, reduce demand for drugs, reduce the prevalence of domestic violence and of child abuse and neglect, reduce violence on television and in movies, and reduce and regulate possession of handguns. (HTH)

Examines the black middle-class response to "The Cosby Show." The study asked about the portrayal of blacks in the media, but did not specifically ask about "The Cosby Show." Results from 100 respondents revealed two significant aspects: that the show renders black problems as irrelevant and that it fosters hope and optimism…

Today's social problems (including dysfunction, destruction, and disintegration) mirror the communities in which students live. Peer programs in schools can link youths with healthy communities and help enrich, enliven, and empower students to become productive members of a caring society. (SM)

Explains why U.S. society's historical ability to absorb other ethnic and minority groups is being threatened by a new separatist version of pluralism referred to as multiculturalism. It explores how this has created a politics of resentment in which ethnic and gender franchises flourish, authority is flawed, and individual responsibility is…

Examines the history of punishment for crimes in American society and argues that the present system is racially biased. Alternatives, such as treatment, particularly for juveniles, are sorely needed, but are unlikely to replace the viciousness that characterizes justice and corrections for African Americans. (SLD)

Because of its comprehensive child welfare system, Denmark has a large number of children in out-of-home care. The system is strained under present social conditions. Government-funded efforts are being implemented to improve policies, programs, and use of placement and treatment resources. (BC)

This paper argues that schools are not the means by which diverse societal ills can be cured, but schools should be considered the dependent measure for assessing behavioral applications for social change. The concept of child services centers is proposed, providing parent education, community development, emergency care, health care, nutritional…

In response to criticism that university faculty should become more socially responsible, this article examines ramifications of pushing faculty to pursue extramural funding and controversy over "political correctness" in dealing with social problems, in the context of the primary teaching function of the university and of each professor. (DB)

Discusses using the changing conditions of life within the United States as the starting point for developing global perspectives in social studies teaching and curriculum transformation. Suggests that the Pacific Century will require people of the United States to function in a multicultural world. Examines the history of Asians in the United…

Contends that the Bush Administration's "America 2000" plan is a political and ideological statement that substitutes the logic of the market for the principles of democracy and ignores the need for multiculturalism in the schools. Provides some general recommendations for educational reform. (30 endnotes) (MLF)

This paper discusses the lack of attention that has been given by helping professionals, police, welfare systems, and legal systems concerning the sexual assault of adults who are intellectually disabled, with special emphasis on the situation in New South Wales, Australia. Reasons why people with intellectual disability are particularly…

Reviews seven books that concern some of the tough issues in schools such as violence, racial bias, and poverty. Suggests that school board members who read these books can have a firsthand look into the lives of students, teachers, parents, and school executives. Information on ordering the books is provided. (MLF)

Offers brief, critical reviews of recent scholarly and general works of interest to reference workers in university libraries. Titles covered include dictionaries, databases, religion, literature, music, dance, art and architecture, business, political science, social issues, and history. Brief descriptions of new editions and supplements for…