Disagrees with the tone and conclusions of the special section on United States-Japan relations in the November-December, 1991 issue. Contends that the national interests of the United States were ignored to avoid "Japan Bashing" over trade and other economic issues. Calls for a more realistic view of Japan's trade policies toward the…

Discusses five history textbooks commonly used in schools and homes in the United States prior to the Civil War. Describes the style, reading level, and content of the books. Concludes that the books promoted a sense of nationalism related to the political development and ideals of the United States at that time. (CFR)

Argues that the elementary social studies curriculum is based on unimportant and disconnected topics that are of little relevance or interest to students. Proposes a curriculum based on major social education goals such as shelter, citizen participation, and the appreciation of a multicultural society. Suggests seven steps teachers can use to…

Presents reviews of five books dealing with the origins, development, and contemporary role of the United Nations. Categorizes the books into "general" and "academic" publications. Asserts that these books will help dispel the cynical attitudes about public service, international politics, and the United Nations itself. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the free response essays in the Advance Placement U.S. history test from 1963-92. Asserts that there were four significant transition years: 1964, 1965, 1973, and 1976 and predicts another in 1994. Presents data indicating trends toward social history, cultural pluralism, and economic/business topics. (CFR)

Asserts educators have argued about meaning and purpose of social studies since the field's inception in the early 1900s. Contends that reform efforts associated with the America 2000 program focus on teaching factual information from history and geography. Maintains that the proper content of social studies must be persistent and contemporary…

Presents an annotated bibliography of 154 trade books selected by a joint committee of the National Council for the Social Studies and the Children's Book Council and recommended for use in social studies education. Presents the criteria for selection and categorizes the books into primary, intermediate, and advanced levels. (CFR)

Asserts that the technology of interactive multimedia gives teachers the tools to help students acquire and use historical knowledge in a visual, active manner. Reviews two videodisks on the Cold War and the U.S. presidency. Concludes that both products would be effective instructional tools. (CFR)

Reports on a study of how the three-way encounter among Europeans, the indigenous Americans, and Africans is presented in six secondary U.S. history textbooks. Describes the evaluation instrument and process used to review the textbook content. Concludes that teachers should use supplementary materials to ensure balance. (CFR)

Responds to criticisms of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Columbian Quincentenary Statement. States that the statement does not claim that North American multiculturalism began with Columbus. Asserts that U.S. history needs to be integrated closely with world history to help students understand the concept of world systems. (CFR)

Presents the 1994 children's trade book recommendations of the Joint Committee of the National Council for the Social Studies and the Children's Book Council. Discusses the six criteria for book selection. Includes an annotated bibliography of more than 140 books categorized by primary, intermediate, and advanced grade levels. (CFR)

Reviews the debate concerning the impact of Afrocentric education and multicultural education on U.S. history instruction and course content. Responds to criticisms of Afrocentric education by historians Diane Ravitch and Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. Contends that multicultural education can help recognize divisions in U.S. society and show a…

Describes the history, culture, cultural geography, and current place in the school curriculum of American Indians of the southeastern United States. Contends that American Indians are both ignored and stereotyped in most social studies instructional materials. Provides an annotated bibliography of recommended materials for teachers and students.…

Describes a classroom study of 20 self-selected, college-bound, U.S. history students in which the students created a story, poem, painting, or other art form after studying a unit on immigration. Includes several examples and descriptions of students' poetry, writing, and other creative projects. (CFR)

Discusses key concerns regarding issues of rationale, methodology, and resources when teaching about the Holocaust. Identifies 12 objectives and 5 content criteria for the topic. Includes five frequently asked questions about the Holocaust and their answers from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. (CFR)