The 1989 Teacher of the Year, Mary V. Bicouvaris discusses social studies education, public education, and teachers. Stresses the importance of geographic and international education and addresses the problems of falling test scores, use of illegal drugs, teenage pregnancies, and school dropouts. (RW)

Discusses concerns about and reaction to student test scores. Questions the nature of a national test for social studies. Asks whether students can be tested in groups as a means of performance assessment and whether such testing instruments can and should replace traditional testing in social studies. (DK)