Presents the current and preeminent policy statement of the Commission on Geographical Education of the International Geographical Union. Reiterates the vital importance of geographic education and outlines general standards for curriculum planning. Addresses a broad range of issues including fundamental concepts, research and educational…

Maintains that funding for the improvement of geography at the precollegiate level has increased dramatically, both in the amount of money raised and the number of funders making grants. Provides strategies and guidelines for identifying foundations and proposal writing. Includes a list of helpful resources. (CFR)

Maintains that the release of the National Geography Standards in October 1994 was not a culmination of reform but the beginning of educational improvement in geography. Discusses geographic concepts and the continued role of educational technology in geographic instruction. (CFR)

Asserts that efforts to achieve educational reform can have significant personal and professional effects on participants in the process. Presents "Ten Verities" as a perspective on the tremendous investment that participation in the reform process requires. Concludes that, the end product of world class geography standards will justify…

Maintains that local school districts will soon be confronted with the task of implementing national standards in geography, history, civics, and government. Asserts that the geography community needs strong partners among teachers' unions and other educational organizations. (CFR)

Asserts that the national geography standards must be relevant to everyone associated with educational reform. Argues that the special advantage enjoyed by geography during the Reagan-Bush administrations is slipping away. Suggests that one way for geography to demonstrate its relevance is to strengthen its ties with environmental education. (CFR)

Asserts that full implementation of the national geographic standards will require their adoption by all states and school districts. Discusses the role of professional associations and teacher education in the implementation process. Maintains that the national standards provide the geography education community a unique opportunity. (CFR)

Provides a progress report on the development process for the National Standards in Geography project. Discusses content and changes made in the fourth draft of the standards. Expresses disappointment in the comments of many geographic educators who criticized the standards for being too difficult or too lengthy. (CFR)

Contends that, despite recent successes, the geographic education community faces serious problems based on its failure to create and maintain strategies for effect preservice teacher education. Argues that a broad cooperative program involving teachers, school district officials, geographic educators, and the community is a potential remedy. (CFR)

Contends that geographic education has received increased attention during the past decade from professional geographers, K-12 educators, and the general public. Reviews current efforts and future directions of geographic education and states that all geographic educators share the responsibility for continuing the progress of the reform movement.…

Maintains that geography occupies a prominent position in the Chinese secondary curriculum. Describes the current course content, which includes both physical and human geography. Concludes by discussing barriers to further development, including lack of qualified staff and poor textbooks. (CFR)

Contends that the National Geographic Society's Geography Education Program continues to work on improving geography instruction and learning. Outlines future activities of the National Geographic Society including urban outreach and technology training. (CFR)