This booklet is both an executive summary of "Geography for Life: National Geography Standards 1994" and an introduction to geography as an essential part of every child's education, and as an integral part of the lives of all U.S. citizens. The publication is illustrated on every page with photographs, paintings, graphs, and maps. It…

These geography standards are subtitled "What Every Young American Should Know and Be Able To Do In Geography", and constitute a set of voluntary benchmarks that every school and school district may use as guidelines for developing their own curricula. The standards for grades K-4, 5-8, and 9-12 specify the essential subject matter,…

This pamphlet explains the importance of geography in the curriculum of primary, middle, and secondary schools. The pamphlet is intended for education decision-makers and advocates the importance of supporting geography education. The article explains what geography is, relates how U.S. students compare to students in other nations in geographic…

This implementation guide is based upon the themes, geographic concepts, and suggested learning outcomes contained in "Guidelines for Geographic Education: Elementary and Secondary Schools." The central themes for geographic education are: (1) location (position on the earth's surface); (2) place (physical and human characteristics); (3)…

This document contains a set of curriculum standards to guide social studies curricula, teaching, learning tasks, and assessment. These social studies standards are organized to incorporate learning experiences from many disciplines. This book presenting the social studies standards is designed to serve three purposes: (1) to serve as a framework…

Describes a four-credit college course for preservice elementary and secondary teachers. Declares that the course is a model that integrates basic geography content with appropriate teaching strategies. Outlines the origins and development of the course and includes a copy of the class syllabus. (CFR)

This bulletin is an outgrowth of the work of the Geographic Education National Implementation Project (GENIP), whose purpose is to implement the recommendations contained in the National Council for Geographic Education-Association of American Geographers 1984 publication, Guidelines for Geographic Education: Elementary and Secondary Schools. The…

Outlines the essential elements of a textbook. Analyzes geography textbooks in terms of their commitment to global interdependence, and treatment of a wide range of geographic concepts. Identifies components of a well-integrated textbook program. (RW)

Reviews the background and history of the "Guidelines for Geographic Education: Elementary and Secondary Schools," which were 10 years old in 1994. Argues that, although it is too early to determine whether the reform efforts in geography are successful, the guidelines may be a basis for a renaissance in geographic education. (CFR)

Contends that the 1984 publication of the Joint Committee on Geographic Education's "Guidelines for Geographic Education: Elementary and Secondary Schools" was a landmark in the national reform movement in geography education. (CFR)

Presents an allegory based on the development and dissemination of the National Geography Standards. Uses the allegory to introduce a series of articles dealing with the Standards. Suggests that geography teachers acquire and use the Standards, entitled "Geography for Life: National Geography Standards." (CFR)

Maintains that the nature and role of geography within social studies has been a major area of debate since 1916. Asserts that geography relies too heavily on rote memorization of facts and neglects geographic thinking. Contends that geography teachers share the blame for this and must change their teaching and evaluation methods. (CFR)

Describes the national geography standards, "Geography for Life," part of the Goals 2000 program. Asserts that the standards define the most important elements of geography content and instruction. Discusses innovative features of the standards and presents suggestions for using them. (CFR)

Maintains that misperceptions or incorrect mental images about relative location and size are common in geography. Reports on a study of 708 students ranging in age from junior high school through undergraduate school. Finds that misperceptions are widespread and exist across grade levels. (CFR)

This geography textbook assessment is a tool and a guide for teachers and curriculum administrators who are responsible for adopting classroom geography materials. The assessment's goal is to help teachers identify the geography textbooks that are most compatible with the content goals of the geography education reform movement as stated in "The…