Graphic organizers are immensely popular--and much utilized--in many classrooms, particularly at the elementary level. These creative and innovate teaching tools are a very effective addition to the teaching repertoire and may be designed to maximize precious class time. For the secondary social studies teacher, their instant appeal and universal…

Discusses Tennessee's Highlander Folk School. Reports that the school helped organize labor unions and played a role in the civil rights movement of the 1950s. Explains that Highlander sought to bring about southern integration. Argues that successful civic education draws out the experiences and interests of participants and nurtures respect and…

Scholars examine the Afro-American past to understand the position that black people have occupied in U.S. society, their efforts to cope with their status, and their successes and failures in pursuing full equality. The four major themes of Afro-American history and the transformations associated with them are: (1)"Africa to America" (Africans to…

Recommends studying Fannie Lou Hamer's work in the civil rights movement of the 1960s to teach students a greater appreciation of the citizen's role in enforcing constitutional rights. Includes a role-playing activity, discussion questions, and a handout on Hamer. Suggests students will recognize the relationship between the Fourteenth Amendment…

Presents a lesson tracing the legal evolution toward greater justice in U.S. society from 1865-1965 through congressional acts and Supreme Court decisions. Includes student handouts of major civil rights cases, legislation, and background information. Provides a bar graph for evaluating Supreme Court decisions and congressional acts that advance…

Examines the U.S. Supreme Court "Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka" decision and its impact on education and national history. Includes 16 photographs representing various aspects of the history of public school desegregation. (CFR)