Although issued by the National Assessment program, this collection of interpretations of its citizenship findings does not necessarily reflect the views of the program. It is not the purpose of the program to interpret its own findings, but rather to encourage widespread examination of the assessment results through such efforts as this document.…

This study presents a theoretical approach to the study of the emergence of movements for political change. It was postulated that changes outside the university role set --industrial systems development, political, military, scientific competition between the United States and Soviet Union-- brought about the following structural changes within…

Because of increased concern with political socialization, a study was designed to determine the sources high school students used in acquiring certain international orientations, specifically on peace and war. Subjects filled out a questionnaire on their beliefs and indicated what sources they thought had most influenced their thinking on these…

To be defined by age as a pupil or student is to be made subject to a system that functions as a total institution, in a society that prides itself on choice and pluralism. What justifies this, in nearly every nation in the world is that fact that the school is accepted throughout the society as the gateway to opportunity; and individual…

This handbook is a compilation and evaluation of 106 attitude scales for survey research. An introductory chapter outlines the ten chapters and discusses the rationale and background of the project. Chapter 2 reviews survey evidence on the correlates of life satisfaction and happiness in the general public. Chapters 3 through 9 review and…

This paper illustrates three different, but interrelated approaches to investigating the role of formal schooling in the political learning process from survey data. The assumption is made that the formation of students' political beliefs are affected by factors which are both internal and external to the school setting. Data from which…

The course outlined in this guide offers an in-depth look at the political left and right, including characteristics held by the extreme left and right, related social and economic theories, and the differences between theory and practice. The students will read and discuss viewpoints illustrative of a cross section of ideological positions and…

Authoritarianism is a negative factor in learning as well as a social problem. If teachers can be trained to counter authoritarianism, they can begin to break the vicious circle of people growing up in an authoritarian culture, becoming authoritarian themselves, and molding their institutions and overall behaviors in an authoritarian fashion. This…

The National Education Association (NEA) originally focused on a consensual relationship existing between classroom teachers and administrators on one hand and governing bodies of public education on the other. Both administrators and classroom teachers belonged to the same organization. During the past decade, the NEA became more militant,…

Four aspects of national identity are investigated that seem relevant to an understanding of the complex sociopsychological ties which bind individuals to the nation-state. The four aspects of national identity are self-identity, consciousness of national identity, perception of nation-state, and citizenship role within nation-state. Two parallel…

The practice of excluding aliens because of their beliefs, political utterances, or party affiliations is discussed. The historical use of immigration law to stifle dissent is described, along with a bill that would repeal the ideological exclusion provisions of the McCarran-Walter Act. (MLW)

Discusses factors influencing development of political attitudes of Hausa primary and secondary students in Kano State, Nigeria. Describes influences from traditional socialization agencies and schools in terms of attitudes toward citizenship, authority, and political participation. Finds schooling's emphasis on bureaucracy contributes equally to…

In this social studies and language arts interdisciplinary unit for 8th or 11th grade, students are required to take on the persona of a Populist or a Progressive. The unit is designed to create a dialogue between two similar movements in late 19th and early 20th century U.S. history. Students work in small groups to research and present their…

This study aims to understand the process of collective identity, self-concept, and political development of the individual Palestinian student activist within the context of collective action in Israel. The paper addresses the complexity of the issue with the terminology for the non-Jew in Israel and the conflicting beliefs which see Israel as a…

Summarizes some of the attitudes and circumstances contributing to low-voter turnout in the United States. These include apathy, language problems, lack of education, minority disincentives, a mobile population, and the discouraging effect of polls. Notes the impressive correlation between voter registration and voter participation. (MJP)