Our weekly e-mail service brings you the latest in public opinion and public policy research.
Public Agenda Research Studies
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
All Work and No Play?: Listening to What Kids and Parents Really Want from Out-of-School Time
Commissioned by The Wallace Foundation. 60 pages. Print Edition Price: $10. ISBN: 1-889483-85-0
A Lot Easier Said Than Done: Parents Talk About Raising Children in Today's America
Conducted for the State Farm Insurance Companies with additional funding from the Family Friendly Programming Forum. 54 pgs. Print Edition Price: $10.00. ISBN No. 1-889483-79-6.
Necessary Compromises: How Parents, Employers and Children's Advocates View Child Care Today
At a time when two-income families and single parents have become the norm, parents struggle with fears and concerns over who should care for their children, believing the primary responsibility of child care rests with them. Though employers say they are willing to help out, they worry about cost and liability issues. Child advocates, meanwhile, have a different vision of child care, one modeled on European national systems, in which the government helps parents shoulder the load. 2000.
Kids These Days '99:
The second in a series of studies to document Americans' attitudes towards the nation's youth. The results have changed little in two years with few adults or teens believing that the next generation will make America a better place. Parents, instead of social forces, are held accountable for how their children turnout. The consistency in the findings suggests how deep-seated American's anxieties about the next generation are. 1999.
Kids These Days: What Americans Really Think About the Next Generation
A comprehensive study of Americans' attitudes toward our nation's youth, including a special focus on the views of African-American, Hispanic and white parents. Will today's children, once grown, make this country a better place? Are parents teaching their kids right from wrong? What solutions do Americans propose to the problems children face? These questions, and what kids have to say, are addressed in this study. 1997.
Talking About Children:
This study examines the gap between the public's expressed concern for America's children and the realities for children at risk that citizens appear willing to live with. It is based on a series of focus groups in six cities across the nation. 1995.
Americans' Views on Crime and Law Enforcement:
Published in the September 1997 issue of the National Institute of Justice Journal, this article is an analysis of recent public opinion data on crime, the criminal justice system, and the role and effectiveness of the police. In summarizing key findings, this article notes where attitudes can vary sharply between African-Americans and whites. 1997. Available from the National Criminal Justice Reference Service at (800) 851-3420.
Punishing Criminals: Pennsylvanians Consider the Options
For this study of attitudes toward crime and corrections, Public Agenda surveyed a representative group of Pennsylvanians twice — once prior to any discussion, and then again after the group had been presented with educational materials and participated in discussions about the issues. 1992.
Punishing Criminals: The People of Delaware Consider the Options
Using the same approach taken in the Pennsylvania study, Public Agenda surveyed Delaware residents' attitudes about the criminal justice system and various sentencing options. 1991.
Lessons Learned: New Teachers Talk About Their Jobs, Challenges and Long-Range Plans: Issue No. 1 They’re Not Little Kids Anymore: The Special Challenges of New Teachers in High Schools and Middle Schools
Part one of the series, “Lessons Learned: New Teachers Talk About Their Jobs, Their Challenges and Their Long-Term Plans,” is based on a nationwide survey of first-year teachers and aims to help leaders in education and government understand more about the quality of current teacher education and the on-the-job support and mentoring for new teachers. Questionnaire design and analysis in cooperation with REL-Midwest.
Reality Check 2006: The Insiders: How Principals and Superintendents See Public Education Today
Prepared for the GE Foundation, the Nellie Mae Education Foundation and The Wallace Foundation. Free download only.
Reality Check 2006: Is Support for Standards and Testing Fading?
Prepared for the GE Foundation, the Nellie Mae Education Foundation and The Wallace Foundation. Free download only.
Reality Check 2006: Issue No. 2 - How Black and Hispanic Families Rate Their Schools
Prepared for the GE Foundation, the Nellie Mae Education Foundation and The Wallace Foundation. Free download only.
Reality Check 2006: Are Parents and Students Ready for More Math and Science?
Prepared for the GE Foundation, the Nellie Mae Education Foundation and The Wallace Foundation. Free download only.
Teaching Interrupted: Do Discipline Policies in Today's Public Schools Foster the Common Good?
Prepared with support from Common Good. 64 pgs. Free download only.
Attitudes About Teaching: Including the Views of Parents, Administrators, Teachers and the General Public
An assessment of survey data on attitudes about teaching. 42 pages.
I'm Calling My Lawyer: How Litigation, Due Process and Other Regulatory Requirements Are Affecting Public Education
Prepared for Common Good. 24 pgs. Free download only.
Rolling Up Their Sleeves: Superintendents and Principals Talk About What's Needed to Fix Public Schools
Sponsored by The Wallace Foundation. 74 pgs. Print Edition Price: $10.00. ISBN: 1-889483-83-4.
Stand by Me: What Teachers Really Think About Unions, Merit Pay and Other Professional Matters
Sponsored by The Broad Foundation, the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and The Sidney J. Weinberg, Jr. Foundation. 64 pgs. Print Edition Price: $10.00. ISBN No. 1-889483-82-6.
Where We Are Now: 12 Things You Need to Know About Public Opinion and Public Schools
Sponsored by Washington Mutual. 35 pgs. Print Edition Price: $5. ISBN No. 1-89483-81-8.
When It's Your Own Child: A Report on Special Education from the Families Who Use It
Funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Progressive Policy Institute and the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation. 2002. 36 pgs. Print Edition Price: $10.00. ISBN No. 1-889483-76-1.
Reality Check 2002:
Published in the March 6, 2002 issue of Education Week. Funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts and the GE Fund. Full text is available through the Education Week Web site.
Sizing Things Up: What Parents, Teachers and Students Think About Large and Small High Schools
Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 2002. 60 pgs. Print Edition Price: $10.00. ISBN No. 1-8889483-73-7.
Trying to Stay Ahead of the Game: Superintendents and Principals Talk About School Leadership
School superintendents and principals say that good leadership can turn around even the most troubled schools, but that politics and bureaucracy too often stand in the way. Large majorities say they need more autonomy to reward good teachers and fire ineffective ones. More than half of superintendents say they have to work around the system to get things done, and more than half of principals say they feel so overwhelmed by day-to-day tasks that their ability to provide vision is stymied. 2001.
Reality Check 2001:
Published in the February 21, 2001, issue of Education Week. Full text available through newspaper's Web site.
Survey Finds Little Sign of Backlash Against Academic Standards or Standardized Tests:
Recent news reports have suggested a growing backlash by parents in many communities against tougher school standards and standardized tests. In a national national survey of parents, Public Agenda found scant evidence to substantiate a backlash, even among parents in districts that are actually implementing higher academic standards. Few parents say they want to abandon higher standards, and most support standards even if it means their own child is held back.
A Sense of Calling: Who Teaches and Why
At a time of intense concern over the quality of the teaching force, this study shows that individuals entering the profession are admirably dedicated to their craft. Nonetheless, they, as well as the school administrators who supervise them, find fault with the curriculum in place at the nation's teaching colleges. 2000.
Reality Check 2000:
Published in the February 16, 2000, issue of Education Week. Full text available through the newspaper's Web site.
On Thin Ice: How Advocates and Opponents Could Misread the Public's Views on Vouchers and Charter Schools
The debate over alternatives to traditional public education is now at political center stage. Although advocates and opponents are passionate about these proposals, most people polled did not know enough about the options to give a strong opinion. After being supplied with more information, most people felt that the alternatives would neither save nor destroy the public schools. 1999.
Playing Their Parts: Parents and Teachers Talk about Parental Involvement in Public Schools
What exactly does parental involvement mean to teachers and parents? Where do parents and teachers agree and disagree over what activities parents should be participating in? This study is based on two national surveys, one with 1,000 public school teachers and the other with 1,220 parents of children in public schools. 1999.
Reality Check '99:
The second annual education survey contrasts the varying perspectives of teachers, parents, students and employers on the quality of public schools. It is available on the Web at http://www.edweek.org or by calling 301/280-3100 for a copy. Complete questionnaire results will be available from Public Agenda in the future. Technical Appendix: $40.00.
A Lot To Be Thankful For: What Parents Want Children to Learn About America
What should public schools teach children about being an American today? This ground-breaking study investigates native-born and foreign-born parents' beliefs on whether a set of "American values" should be taught to kids by the public schools and, if so, what this would mean. Among the issues examined are conflicts over curricula – "mainstream" versus multicultural approaches to history and literature, and the teaching of science and religion; views about the responsibilities and rights of citizenship; and attitudes toward diversity. 1998. Technical Appendix: $40.00.
Time to Move On: African-American and White Parents Set an Agenda for Public Schools
This comprehensive national study takes an in-depth look at the views of black and white parents toward public school integration, academic standards, and student achievement as well as parental involvement, teacher quality, safety and discipline. 1998. Technical Appendix: $40.00.
Reality Check '98:
Surveys of 5 groups -- parents, students, K-12 teachers, employers and college professors -- find sharp differences on the impact of higher standards in the classroom. The debate about standards has caught hold, but has yet to produce results employers and college professors expect. Included in Education Week's Quality Counts '98. For copies call Education Week at (301) 280-3100 or visit their web site at http://www.edweek.org.
Reality Check '98: Fully Annotated Survey Results
Technical appendix of Reality Check containing complete survey questions and results.
Different Drummers: How Teachers of Teachers View Public Education
This is the first comprehensive survey of the views of education professors from United States colleges and universities. Their vision of education and the mission of teacher education programs are explored including their attitudes toward core curriculum, testing, standards, and the public's parameters. 1997.
Getting By: What American Teenagers Really Think About Their Schools
Public high school students are the focus of this national telephone survey that examines how teens view their schools, teachers and the learning process. Special sections on African-American, Hispanic and private high school students are included. 1997. Technical Appendices (Jefferson County; Bay Area) $25.00 each.
Given the Circumstances: Teachers Talk About Public Education Today
Public school teachers are the focus of this national study. Teachers' views on how the public schools are performing; what children need to learn; and what schools need to be effective are explored. 1996.
Assignment Incomplete: The Unfinished Business of Education Reform
This national study of the general public examines why support for public schools is in jeopardy; why Americans are so concerned with the basics; whether people are really committed to higher standards; and whether they value education in and of itself. 1995. Technical Appendix: $20.00
School Safety: A Discussion
This video lays out three possible solutions to the question of how to make schools safe, and asks people to weigh the pros and cons of each choice. VHS format
First Things First: What Americans Expect from the Public Schools
Based on an examination of the views of the general public, this national study looks at public attitudes toward values issues in the schools and toward education reform efforts. A special focus on the views of white and black parents, as well as parents identified as traditional Christians, is included. 1994. Technical Appendix: $20.00
State and Local Education Reports
Important, But Not for Me: Kansas and Missouri Students and Parents Talk About Math, Science and Technology Education
“Important, But Not for Me” is part of a three-year public engagement project on math, science and technology education conducted by Public Agenda and funded by The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
Cities, Suburbs and Schools: Would Citizens in Chicago, Cleveland and Milwaukee Support Greater Collaboration?
This qualitative study explored people’s reactions to regional education strategies in and around these three Midwestern cities. Participants in 15 focus groups were asked whether they would support educational initiatives that cross municipal boundaries and allow urban and suburban students to collaborate. Sponsored by the Joyce Foundation. 1999.
Some Gains, But No Guarantees: How New York City's Employers Rate the Public Schools
Conducted on behalf of the New York City Partnership and Chamber of Commerce, this survey explores the views of the leaders of New York City-based businesses and nonprofits concerning the City's public schools and the young people graduating from them, and ways in which business could help. 1998.
What Our Children Need: South Carolinians Look at Public Education
Prepared for the South Carolina Department of Education, this comprehensive study examines how South Carolinians view their public schools. The differences among the public, educators and community leaders in how they look at their schools and what solutions they feel are most promising are identified. 1997. Copies are available on the South Carolina Department of Education's web site, www.state.sc.us/sde.
Lancaster Residents Look at Their Public Schools:
Examines the attitudes of Lancaster, Pennsylvania residents about their public schools. These citizens identify three main problems with their public schools and present ideas on how they believe these problems should be solved. 1997.
Nebraskans' Views on School Standards: A Focus Group Study
This report examines what Nebraskans think about school standards and whether they want state-wide standards reform. It is based on eight focus groups held in four Nebraska cities. 1997.
Attitudes Toward the St. Louis Public Schools:
Examines the views of St. Louis residents including teachers, principals and parents with children in St. Louis public schools. Issues such as safety, order, the basics, and higher academic standards are addressed. 1996.
Committed to Change: Missouri Citizens and Public Education
This study focuses on how citizens of Missouri feel about public education. A comparison of the views of Missouri citizens to citizens of Connecticut, and the nation-at-large, is also included. 1996. Available from the Missouri Partnership for Outstanding Schools, 800-659-4044.
The Westchester School-to-Work Initiative: Prospects and Challenges
Based on a series of focus groups with Westchester principals, teachers, parents, and students, this report examines public attitudes about the Westchester School-to-Work Initiative. 1995. Available from the Westchester Education Coalition, 914-683-8045.
The Broken Contract: Connecticut Citizens Look at Public Education
This study takes an in-depth look at Connecticut citizens' views on public education and why they hold these attitudes. 1994. Technical Appendix: $25.00
Divided Within, Besieged Without: The Politics of Education in Four American School Districts
A major impediment to educational reform, political gridlock among education stakeholders, is examined. The report describes the substantial infighting and communication gaps among these groups and suggests ways for improving dialogue. 1993.
Higher Education Reports
Squeeze Play: How Parents and the Public Look at Higher Education Today
Conducted for the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education as part of the Making Opportunity Affordable initiative, supported by the Lumina Foundation for Education. Available from the Making Opportunity Affordable initiative.
Life After High School: Young People Talk about Their Hopes and Prospects
Funding provided by The College Board, GE Foundation, the George Gund Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation and KnowledgeWorks Foundation. Print Edition Price: $5. ISBN: 1-889483-86-9.
Public Attitudes on Higher Education: A Trend Analysis, 1993 to 2003
Prepared for the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education. 2004. Free download.
Meeting the Competition: College and University Presidents, Faculty, and State Legislators View the New Competitive Academic Arena
Conducted for the Futures Project: Policy for Higher Education in a Changing World. 2002. 36 pgs. ISBN No. 1-889483-78-8.
Great Expectations: How the Public and Parents -- White, African American and Hispanic -- View Higher Education
For most Americans, a college education has replaced the high school diploma as the gateway to the middle class, and we found African American and Hispanic parents are significantly more likely than whites to emphasize the value of higher education, not less. 2000. The report may be viewed on the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education's Web site. (http://www.highereducation.org) or by faxing the organization at (408) 271-2697.
Doing Comparatively Well: Why the Public Loves Higher Education and Criticizes K-12
The first report to compare the public's perception of higher and lower education by examining the findings of a number of research projects. A report from The Institute for Educational Leadership, The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education and Public Agenda. 1999. Available only by calling IEL at (202) 822-8405.
Taking Responsibility: Leaders' Expectations of Higher Education
Taking Responsibility explores topics such as the best way to provide financial aid to students, whether a bachelor's degree is considered more of a right than a responsibility and why colleges experience such high drop out rates. The views of leaders in business and government are contrasted with those held by professors when it comes to such issues as tenure and how efficient higher education institutions should be. 1999. The report may be viewed on the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education's Web site. (http://www.highereducation.org) or by faxing the organization at (408) 271-2697. Mention the title and the report number (99-01).
The Price of Admission: The Growing Importance of Higher Education
Based on a nationwide telephone survey, this study explores Americans' views on the importance of higher education, its cost, and American's access to it. Prepared for the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, for copies call (408) 271-2699. Complete questionnaire results are available from Public Agenda for $20.00. 1998.
Enduring Values, Changing Concerns: What Californians Expect From Their Higher Education System
A reassessment of the views of Californians concerning their higher education system since 1993's The Closing Gateway (see below). Available at no charge from CHEPC. Fax requests to 408-271-2697. Ask for Report #97-1.
Preserving the Higher Education Legacy: A Conversation with California Leaders
A follow-up to The Closing Gateway, this report is based on a series of in- depth interviews with 29 distinguished California leaders about California's higher education system. 1995. Available at no charge from CHEPC. Fax requests to 408-271-2697. Ask for Report #95-3.
The Closing Gateway: Californians Consider Their Higher Education System
Striking findings about Californians' and other Americans' views on the importance and accessibility of higher education are examined. 1993. Available at no charge from CHEPC. Fax requests to 408-271-2697. Ask for Report #93-6.
Additional Education Reports
Summing It Up: A Review of Survey Data on Education and the National Education Goals
Conducted at the request of the National Education Goals Panel, this study analyzes recent public opinion research on education and the public schools, reviewing surveys conducted by a variety of respected national organizations. Available on The National Education Goals Panel Web site at http://www.negp.gov or call 202-724-0015.
Americans' Views on Standards: An Assessment by Public Agenda
This report provides an in-depth review of Americans' attitudes about raising and enforcing higher academic standards in public schools. 1996.
Accomplishing Reform with Public Engagement: A Map of the Process
Prepared in collaboration with the Kettering Foundation, this map helps citizens and community groups who want to undertake reform but believe the public should or needs to be their partner if real change is to occur. Roadblocks a community might encounter are flagged. 1995.
The Public's Capacity for Deliberation:
Based on seven citizen discussion groups held across the country on education, this study explores the capacity of diverse groups of citizens to come together, consider an issue and work through alternative choices for solving it. 1995.
Professional Development for Teachers: The Public's View
Based on a series of focus group discussions, this pilot study looks at public attitudes toward teachers' professional development. 1995.
The Basics: Parents Talk About Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and the Schools
Based on ten focus groups around the country with parents of public school children, the public's concern with the basics is explored. The report includes what the public means by 'the basics' and why they are considered to be so important. 1995.
Effective Public Engagement:
Americans views toward proposals to set higher academic standards for students is explored. 1993. Available from the National Center on Education and the Economy, 202-783-3668. $5.00 for New Standards partners; $25.00 for non-partners.
Math Leads the Way: Perspectives on Math Reform
This report looks at the views of math educators and other education professionals on math reform. Included is an examination of attitudes that could derail efforts to reform math education. 1993.
Educational Reform: The Players and the Politics
This study examines education stakeholders' views on the goals of education and the present performance of schools. 1992.
Crosstalk: The Public, the Experts, and Competitiveness
Public attitudes about competitiveness, education, and technology in the workplace are explored. The report identifies serious gaps in perspective between leaders and the general public. 1991.
A Few Bad Apples?: An Exploratory Look at What Typical Americans Think about Business Ethics Today
Prepared for The Kettering Foundation. 2004. 40 pgs. Free download only.
Now That I'm Here: What America's Immigrants Have to Say About Life in the U.S. Today
Supported by The Carnegie Corporation of New York. 66 pgs. Print Edition Price: $10.00. ISBN No. 1-889483-80-X.
Miles to Go: A Status Report on Americans' Plans for Retirement
A follow-up to the 1994 study Promises to Keep, this new study explores how Americans view retirement; what they see as their own responsibilities; and what policies and programs might encourage them to better plan for retirement. 1997.
The Values We Live By: What Americans Want From Welfare Reform
This study examines public attitudes toward welfare reform: why the public is so frustrated with the system; what kind of change it is seeking. 1996.
Attitudes Toward Welfare and Welfare Reform: A Focus Group Report
Based on a series of focus groups in six cities, this study examines what citizens don't like about welfare and where they believe the system has gone wrong. 1995. For a free single copy call the Kaiser Foundation, 800-656-4533. Ask for Report #1094.
Promises to Keep: How Leaders and the Public Respond to Saving and Retirement
A comprehensive look at why many Americans have difficulty saving for retirement. The report details the major barriers to action, including cultural factors and personality traits. 1994. Technical Appendix: $20.00
Putting the Work Ethic to Work:
A ground-breaking report on the state of the American work ethic and its relationship to America's economic vitality. The report is based on in-depth interviews with 845 working Americans and includes findings from comparative studies conducted in Great Britain, West Germany, Japan, Israel, and Sweden. 1983.
FOREIGN POLICY
Confidence in U.S. Foreign Policy Index, Vol. 6: Energy, Economy New Focal Points for Anxiety Over U.S. Foreign Policy
Produced with support from the Ford Foundation and The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation in cooperation with Foreign Affairs.
Public Agenda Confidence in U.S. Foreign Policy Index, Vol. 5: Loss of Faith: Public's Belief in Effective Solutions Eroding
Produced with support from the Ford Foundation and The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation in cooperation with Foreign Affairs.
Public Agenda Confidence in U.S. Foreign Policy Index: Americans Perplexed and Anxious About Relations with Muslim World
A joint venture with Foreign Affairs, with major support from the Ford Foundation. Free download only.
Here to Stay: The Domestic and International Priorities of Latino Leaders
First comprehensive survey of native and foreign-born U.S. Latino leaders about their concerns and practices for U.S. policy. What issues do they think lie in store for their community: What issues absorb their own attention? How concerned and active are they regarding U.S.-Latin American relations? For copies, visit the Tomás Rivera Policy Institute Web site at http://www.cgs.edu/inst/trc.htm or call (909) 621-8897. 1998.
Mixed Messages: A Survey of the Foreign Policy Views of America's Leaders
Based on a national survey of political, economic, civic, and foreign policy specialists, this study probes leaders' views on U.S. foreign policy goals in the post-Cold War era. 1995.
The Rules of Public Engagement:
This report, written in cooperation with the American Assembly, explores the formidable challenge of engaging the public in debate about U.S. foreign policy in the post-Cold War era. 1993.
HEALTH CARE
Second Opinions: Americans' Changing Views on Healthcare Reform
Using an innovative research methodology designed to test the firmness of public opinion, this report takes an in-depth look at what Americans think about the healthcare issue given their current level of knowledge and what they may think as they learn more about possible reforms. 1994.
Faulty Diagnosis: Public Misconceptions About Healthcare Reform
A national report based on a two-year opinion research effort to pinpoint the public's current level of understanding on this complex issue. 1992.
MEDIA
Crime, Fears, and Videotape: A Survey of Baltimore-Area Residents
Based on a survey of residents of Baltimore City and five surrounding counties, this study examines whether public perceptions of crime and safety in the greater Baltimore area are primarily shaped by personal experiences or local television newscasts. 1998.
Good News, Bad News: What People Really Think About the Education Press
The role the media play in shaping perceptions of the public schools is a recurring theme in the ongoing debate over the quality of public education. Prepared for the Education Writers Association, this study explores the attitudes of the general public, parents with children in public schools, educators, and education reporters and editors, toward media coverage of education. 1997.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
The Science of Aging Gracefully: Scientists and the Public Talk about Aging Research
Prepared for the Alliance for Aging Research and the American Federation for Aging Research. Free download only.
Waiting for a Signal: Public Attitudes Toward Global Warming, the Environment and Geophysical Research
A review of public opinion finds that concern about environmental issues has fallen, driven not by apathy but by frustration over invisible, long-term problems like global warming. Available only on the American Geophysical Union Web site (http://www.agu.org). 1999.
OTHER STUDIES
Walking a Mile: A First Step Toward Mutual Understanding: A Qualitative Study Exploring How Indians and Non-Indians Think About Each Other
This new study--based on 12 focus groups conducted in 2006 and 2007--is one of the most in-depth examinations ever made of the thinking of American Indians and non-Indians about each other. The research was made possible by a grant from The Christian A. Johnson Endeavor Foundation.
Facing Up to the Nation's Finances: Understanding Public Attitudes About the Federal Budget
Two research reports produced as part of the "Facing Up to the Nation's Finances" project, an initiative developed by Public Agenda and Viewpoint Learning drawing on research and analysis done at the Brookings Institution, the Concord Coalition and the Heritage Foundation. Free download only.
Long Overdue: A Fresh Look at Public Attitudes About Libraries in the 21st Century
Prepared with support from the Americans for Libraries Council and funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Print Edition: $10. ISBN 1-889483-87-7.
The Charitable Impulse: Those who give to charities and those who run them talk about what's needed to keep the public trust
Prepared for the Kettering Foundation and Independent Sector. Free download only.
Religion and Public Life, 2000-2004: Survey Shows Religious Americans Less Likely to Support Compromise
Examines how Americans' views of religion in public life have changed. Free download only.
Push Comes to Shove: Passengers and Travel Workers Call Rudeness a Real Problem
Conducted for The Pew Charitable Trusts and in association with Travelocity. Free download.
Knowing It By Heart: Americans Consider the Constitution and its Meaning
Conducted for the National Constitution Center and funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. 67 pgs. Print Edition Price: $10.00. ISBN No. #1-889483-77-X.
Aggravating Circumstances: A Status Report on Rudeness in America
Supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts. 2002. 60 pgs. Print Edition Price: $10. ISBN No. 1-889483-75-3.
Just Waiting to Be Asked: A Fresh Look at Attitudes on Public Engagement
School district leaders say they are eager for public engagement in educational decision making, but the venue they rely on most -- the school board meeting -- is primarily seen as a vehicle for the most vocal and disgruntled citizens. Teachers, of all the groups surveyed, feel the most ignored. Parents and the public would like to see more community involvement, but two-thirds say they're comfortable leaving decisions to the professionals. But those who rate their schools poorly are more likely to want to get directly involved. 2001.
For Goodness' Sake: Why So Many Want Religion to Play a Greater Role in American Life
Americans equate religious faith with personal morality, and view religion as one of the few available antidotes to a decline in civic morality. But while many believe the country has gone too far in removing religion from public life, there is a strong ethic of tolerance, and few would use religion as a guide in choosing elected officials or deciding public policy. Jews and the nonreligious, however, are much less comfortable with religion in the public sphere, while evangelical Christians are far more likely to believe that devout politicians would make better decisions. 2001.
Clarifying Issues '96:
A nonpartisan issues guide uniquely designed to help voters clarify their own views and values on eight major issues: The Economy; Juvenile Crime; Immigration; The American Family; The Federal Deficit; Race and Opportunity; America's Global Role; Poverty and Welfare. 1996.
Palm Beach Community:
This report looks at what Palm Beach County residents think about education, crime, development, the environment and community relations, including race relations, immigration, and seasonal residents. 1995.
Films by Public Agenda:
Films based on the "choice" framework from Public Agenda's National Issues Forums Discussion Guides are excellent classroom aides. The titles listed below are available from the Filmakers Library. Contact them at 212-808-4980 for information on price, length, format and current availability.
