Scholars Online (http://www.choices.edu/scholarsonline) brings university scholars into secondary level classrooms. Videos of scholars who have contributed to the development of curriculum units or participated in Choices professional development programs are provided in an interview format. Designed to be used with Choices printed curricula (http://www.choices.edu/resources), these short, informative videos can be used in conjunction with student readings or with lessons that accompany each unit.

We currently have videos to supplement six of our written curriculum units, including our new edition of The US Role in the Changing World (http://www.choices.edu/usrole). Videos clips for this unit help students reflect on global changes, assess national priorities, and decide for themselves the role the United States should play in the world today. This is a great way to engage students in a range of issues being discussed by presidential candidates. Participating scholars for this unit included Joseph Cirincione from the Center for American Progress, Fernando Cardoso—former president of Brazil, Ricardo Lagos—Former President of Chile, Justine Rosenthal from The National Interest and many others.

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On February 19, 2008, Fidel Castro announced to Cuba and to the world that he would not be a candidate for Cuba’s presidency (this position will be elected by the Cuban National Assembly on February 24). Head of Cuba since 1959, Castro was one of the longest serving leaders of the modern era. His time in office, along with the revolution that he helped lead, are the subject of great controversy both within Cuba and around the world.

Castro’s Legacy and the Future of Cuba http://www.choices.edu/resources/current.php is a one-day lesson that introduces students to the worldwide debate now taking place. The lesson includes links to internet resources from around the world. This lesson is available at no cost from the Choices Program’s Teaching with the News program.

A new unit on the future of Cuba from the Cuban perspective will be available from the Choices Program this spring. Information is available at http://www.choices.edu/cuba.

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