Maintains that historians, education professors, and education critics have called for a return to a history-centered social studies curriculum. Asserts that the use of biographies and autobiographies will reinvigorate the atmosphere of the history classroom. Includes a 22-item nonannotated bibliography of teacher resources on the topic. (CFR)

Maintains that fiction written for children and young adults can build interest and enhance understanding of the World War II era. Discusses and recommends five Holocaust-related fictional books. Includes an unannotated bibliography of 61 books on the subject categorized by topic and grade level. (CFR)

Discusses Howard Gardner's views regarding students' academic abilities. Describes the use of primary sources in history instruction. Includes a guide for analyzing primary sources for each level from kindergarten through eighth grade. (CFR)

Examines current Illinois statewide assessment of social studies education. Argues conceptual knowledge assessment in the social studies should use essay tests. Includes guidelines and activities for teaching students to write persuasively. Explains various strategies to teach reading, writing, and thinking skills, including the "RAFT"…