Advises would-be reformers to envision what reformed schools should look like before advocating their pet changes. Most reformers fail to connect their proposals with their goals. As the 10 "equal opportunity" reform fantasies show, rhetoric alone is useless. Basic condition preventing significant school change is public resistance.…

Two films, the fictional "Thunderheart" and the documentary "Incident at Oglala," demonstrate that Hollywood can sometimes portray the ethnic conflicts of Native Americans accurately. Both explain the ambivalent relationship with the dominant society that Native Americans have chosen through their refusal to be patronized. (SLD)

Asserts that, for citizens in a democracy to understand and act upon complex societal issues, they must be able to integrate knowledge from a variety of subjects. Traces the history of interdisciplinary social studies education and examines arguments of its supporters and detractors. (CFR)

Amid the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Brazil was the Global Forum, a gathering of representatives of more than 9,000 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Brazil's array of NGOs and grass-roots support organizations began developing in the early 1960s. The "pedagogy of the oppressed" developed by Paulo…

Responds to "Toward a White Discourse on White Racism" (James Joseph Scheurich; 1993). Rather than a discourse, America needs to transcend the discourse on race. The Commission on Civil Rights continues to explore racial harmony, but it is apparent that we have led young people to believe that their differences are more meaningful than…

Explains and critiques the effort of revitalizing progressive discourse. The legacy of progressive discourse is examined as well as the issue of educational equity. Argues that the challenge of postprogressive educational theory is to see its contribution as a response to prevailing intolerable and inequitable conditions. (GLR)

Argues that sociologists give increased attention to food, eating, and nutrition. Discusses three approaches to include these topics in college-level sociology courses: (1) sociology of food and nutrition; (2) food and society; and (3) nutritional sociology. Recommends instructional strategies and resources. (CFR)

Provides an economic analysis of the status of African-American males, arguing that the precarious economic position of African-American males is the leading cause of single female-headed households in African-American communities. Marginalization processes based on low employment have pushed African-American males away from marriage. (SLD)

The need for a citizenry capable of comprehending and tackling contemporary issues related to science and technology demands science education experiences that are fundamentally different from traditional experiences in school science. Argues that high school biology experiences organized around contemporary bioethical issues can meet this need.…

Examines the change in family structure together with the various pressures that now inhibit, inform, or constrain modern child rearing. Argues for educators of vision and compassion, who are articulate and well read. Concludes that without effective, knowledgeable early years professionals and appropriate institutions for the very young,…

Considers the taboo topics that social studies teachers avoid or de-emphasize, such as topics that tend to provoke strong emotional reactions. Addresses the reasons for the stifling of taboo topics and finds that the closer a topic is to students' lives the more likely the topic is labeled as taboo. (CMK)

Describes the work of young people in four pilot projects in which they developed strategies to address issues considered by them to be problematic within their communities. The implications of this kind of work for public health are discussed. (GR)

Reviews developmental psychology literature for its relevance for designing organizations for children and youth followed by a review of theories on the development of children's identity, social understanding, and capacity to participate. The reviews summarize what is being said about the values of youth participation in community organizations…

A case study of the efforts at Mount Pleasant School in Vancouver to create a more equitable educational experience for children of poverty, illustrates the potential of schooling to contribute positively to social justice. Successful conditions included: availability of funding, clarity of focus, facilitation of leadership, and openness to…

An examination of the Humanities and Social Justice Teacher Education Project, a collaboration between a university-based group and social studies and English teachers in 7 British Columbia secondary schools found 6 main ways that teachers translated a concern for social justice into their classrooms. Recommended practices are provided. (Contains…