School Wars

School Wars examines the Religious Right's challenge to public education--from concerns about sex education to attempts to restrict specific works of literature and textbooks. It takes an objective look at such subjects as the current conflict concerning the role of fundamentalism, the so-called religion of secular humanism, the state of public education, and global education and multiculturalism. Drawing on their combined backgrounds of religious study and practice, as well as years of experience working in the field of education, the authors present research in educational theory and practice, highlight important court cases, and draw on philosophical and religious studies to reveal a foundation for understanding world views at issue. School Wars offers educators, community leaders, and parents a better way to understand and respond to the differing world views that lie at the center of this ongoing debate.

Part One: The Challenge to Public Education 1. The Current Conflict 2. School Critics: Who Are They? 3. The Great Conspiracy: Secular Humanism and the New Age 4. Strategies and Tactics Part Two: School Reforms Under Attack 5. The State of Public Education 6. School Improvement Initiatives 7. Literature and Curricula Part Three: Understanding Our Differences 8. A Matter of Worldviews 9. Religious Traditions 10. Philosophical Perspectives 11. Church and State Part Four: What Educators Can Do 12. Teaching Religion in Public Schools 13. Responding to Parental and Community Concerns 14. The Community at Work