It is the role of schools and colleges to teach certain truths that can enhance the quality of one's life in society. Yet often these truths are not learned at school because many students do not accept them as truths, because they are not actually included in the curriculum, or because they are mistaught. These truths revolve around eight concepts--truth, literacy, education, knowledge, citizenship, democracy, power, and ideals--and each one is built upon an assertion. They are: (1) There is a difference between scientific and religious truths; (2) Literacy should include not only basics in skills and knowledge, but basics related to making judgments and taking action; (3) Both general and more specialized education are essential for successful coping; (4) Formal, abstract knowledge and practical knowledge are not incompatible, but are integral to one another; (5) Education for citizenship must encompass world-wide dimensions as well as the local components; (6) A democratic society requires dialogue and respect for others' opinions; (7) Power in a democracy must be exercised to enhance the well-being of all and not of a few; and (8) There are strengths and weaknesses in all systems of social ideals and their implementation. Curriculum development teams need to find ways of integrating these truths into the fabric of the curriculum. (DG)