Given the need for international understanding in the form of cross cultural apyitude, geography, foreign language and renewed tolerance for difference, argues that education needs to focus on social and cultural studies, not minimise them, if students are to be part of a truly informed society.

Democracy, social justice, and the development of well rounded individuals...these are among the historic purposes of public education. But what is becoming of these goals as federal- and state-mandated policies direct the curriculum more and more towards what is most easily measured in high-stakes testing? The contributors to this timely and informative collection aim to provide a deeper understanding of the meaning of education for democracy and social justice and to connect educators with a common vision for the schools and for teacher education.