The purpose of this paper is to take a closer look at the states that have designed strong history standards and note what has made them exceptional so other states might do the same. They include Alabama, California, Indiana, Massachusetts, New York, and South Carolina. The report draws on interviews with individuals from each state who sat on…

This calendar of lessons conforms to the New York State syllabus for grades 7-8, United States and New York History, which was officially implemented throughout the state in September 1987. It is a guide to the objectives of the state social studies program, not a prescription for day-to-day lesson plans. United States and New York State History…

Fifteen major concepts form the basis of the New York State schools K-12 social studies program. They are: (1) change, (2) choice, (3) citizenship, (4) culture, (5) diversity, (6) empathy, (7) environment, (8) human rights, (9) identity, (10) interdependence, (11) justice, (12) political system, (13) power, (14) scarcity, and (15) technology. The…

The flow chart outlines the division of content within social studies courses for each grade (K-12) in New York State public schools. It is strictly an outline of content; it does not reflect emphasis on concept development or use of the inductive mode which are stressed in state teacher's guides. In kindergarten and grade one, social studies…

Asserts that public policy analysis has a time-honored tradition in civics education. Provides a four-part teachers' rationale for including the study of child-labor legislation in social studies courses. Includes a five-part classroom format for teaching public policy analysis. (CFR)

Public opinion about multicultural education in New York State was surveyed with samples ranging from about 200 to over 900 citizens. Three quarters of New York State residents believe that teaching the common heritage and values that Americans share is a very important goal of public education. There is some support for teaching history from the…