School for Citizens: The Politics of Civic Education from 1790 to 1990
Explores the history of civic education policy in relation to the changing politics of public schooling, emphasizing the experience of whites. The history of the philosophy of education, post-American Revolution-1990s, & the role of public schools in forming free citizens are reviewed. Despite Americans' traditional distrust of central government, they have enrolled their children in the public school system, perhaps because of its decentralized organization. Topics include the search for political & religious common denominators in public education; the debate over language, culture, & religion in schools; the role of public education in the "Americanization" of immigrants; & the alleged triumph of nativism in the 1920s, as reflected in negative textbook stereotypes of immigrants. The 1930s & 1940s, however, saw a trend toward pluralism, more positive views of immigrants, & a return to a more liberal political ideal. The author concludes that trust among citizens is a necessity, & public education must promote cultural diversity as well as political citizenship. 129 References. J. R. Callahan