Describes how teachers at Mason High School (Ohio) prepare students to pass state citizenship proficiency tests. Argues that these tests cannot be accurate measures of learning but that the objectives behind them provide sound educational goals. Shows how students of all abilities can be assisted in meeting the proficiency standards. (DSK)

Reviews the support for using both literature and response activities to teach history. Includes an annotated bibliography, with accompanying response activities, of trade books chosen to support the learning outcomes for Ohio's American Heritage Strand of the citizenship proficiency test. (CMK)