It is currently thought that memory formation requires the activation of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) in the hippocampus. However, recent studies indicate that these receptors are not necessary for all forms of learning. The current experiments examine this issue using context fear conditioning in mice. First, we show that context fear can be acquired without NMDAR activation in previously trained animals. Mice trained in one environment (context A) are subsequently able to learn about a second environment (context B) in the presence of NMDAR antagonists. Second, we demonstrate that NMDAR-independent learning requires the hippocampus and is dependent on protein synthesis. However, unlike NMDAR-dependent learning, it is not contingent on the expression of activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc). Lastly, we present data that suggests NMDAR-independent learning is only observed when recently stimulated neurons are reactivated during conditioning. These data suggest that context fear conditioning modifies synaptic plasticity mechanisms in the hippocampus and allows subsequent learning to occur in the absence of NMDAR activation.

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On February 19 th , 2014, Republican legislators in Arizona passed SB 1062, a bill that offered constitutional protections enabling businesses to deny service to any client should that client's lifestyle be found to conflict with the "sincerely held religious beliefs" of the business owner (SB 1062). The bill had been authored by Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy (CAP), a conservative Christian advocacy group. While Herrod claimed that the measures outlined in SB 1062 protected religious freedoms, opponents of the bill referred to it as the "anti-gay" bill (Herrod). Subsequently, the bill's passage sparked national controversy. A week later, on February 26 th , Arizona's then governor, Republican Jan Brewer, vetoed the bill. While liberal and centrist media outlets celebrated the veto, much conservative media lamented the bill's "mischaracterization" (Pitzi). 2 The debate over SB 1062 is emblematic of how American political media coverage has become increasingly polarized since 9/11. Media theorist, Gary Woodward writes: "Legislative politics is more partisan and bitter, intensifying feelings of a disconnect between citizens and their political institutions. In this frame, political life is often seen as a performance for the public by agents who in reality serve a different and privileged group of 'special interests'" (1). When Woodward describes political life as a "performance for the public" he suggests that such a performance is orchestrated to provide members of the public with the sense that they, the people, are politically relevant. However, the word "performance" suggests spectatorship rather than active engagement. Hence, Woodward argues that, as spectators, Americans are temporarily placated by-rather than engaged in and served by-the political process. Feeling "Sincerely Held Religious Beliefs": Media Representation and Rhetorical Stra...

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In this article, we examine several important issues for special educators in the implementation of cooperative learning. To address effectively the needs of students with mild disabilities in regular classrooms and curricula requires a multi-faceted approach that incorporates the dynamics of reciprocal collaboration, cooperative learning, teaming, and effective instructional support technaques. The need for a collaborative ethic among general and special educators is descrihed. The efficacy of cooperative learning that focuses upon achievement outcomes especially related to students with mild disabilities is reviewed. The components of a cooperative approach that enhances the integration of students with mild disabilities and fosters high achievement levels are discussed, as well as a schoolwide restructuring model designed to embrace student diversity and enhance the achievement of all students, including students with mild disabilities, in regular classrooms.