Testing, grades, homework, learning by rote: these are the foundations of our conventional educational system -- and Alfie Kohn argues that they are as good as worthless. The maverick education critic discusses the deep-seated problems with traditional schooling and explores the alternative approach of progressive education. He also talks about the pitfalls of competition and national rankings.

Remember all that stuff you learned in sex ed about gender, about the traits that dictate gender identity? Anne Tamar-Mattis says a lot of what we learned is, in fact, misinformation. She describes what happens to young children born with so-called intersex conditions; one option frequently pursued is irreversible genital surgery.

What if urban and suburban neighborhoods were designed specifically to meet the needs of children? If young people's preferences were given priority in design and planning decision making, where would children play and how would they develop? Clare Cooper Marcus asserts that parks and playgrounds are far from sufficient, and she points to child- and pedestrian-friendly designs implemented abroad. (Encore presentation.)

What if urban and suburban neighborhoods were designed specifically to meet the needs of children? If young people's preferences were given priority in design and planning decision making, where would children play and how would they develop? Clare Cooper Marcus asserts that parks and playgrounds are far from sufficient, and she points to child- and pedestrian-friendly designs implemented abroad.

Wouldn't it be nice if people learned as children about nonviolence, about rejecting bigotry and war, about social justice? Tales for Little Rebels recovers the legacy of twentieth-century children's literature written by leftists. Co-editors Julia Mickenberg and Philip Nel discuss the tales and the social movements to which many of them were connected. Also, Nadine Wettstein objects to a Mukasey decision on immigrants' rights.

How big of a problem is child labor, and should we be concerned only about underage factory workers and child prostitution abroad? Peter Dorman describes the nature and consequences of child labor and exploitation around the globe; he also recommends ways to address it. And Erin Thompson co-edits IndyKids, a free, progressive newspaper for young people.