This paper examines pedagogical responses to James Banks's concept of "failed citizenship," namely the structural factors that inhibit migrants and minorities from accessing fully functioning citizenship and their human rights. Banks commissioned and published 16 case studies of social studies teachers in different national contexts to…

In this article, first the authors describe the aims of and a definition of social studies education and classroom assessment. Second, the authors provide an overview of issues related to classroom assessment followed by trends in social studies classrooms and assessment. Then the authors address essential systems and best practices related to…

The world environmental movement has gained much strength in recent decades and has led many nations to focus on environmental education. We examine the extent to which this global movement has helped change national textbooks. We also consider the effects of national development, national policy on environmentalism, and the general expansion of…

Problem Statement: Teaching a student critical-thinking skills has always been an important mission of social studies education. Over the years, literature and scholarly interest in critical-thinking in social studies have grown sporadically. Nevertheless, growing interest in the literature and commitment among the scholars did not ensure…

Consists of questions and responses to questions that a junior or senior high school student might ask a social studies teacher concerning a career in environmental studies. Questions include "How does a student usually become interested in studying the environment?" and "What do present opportunities for a career seem like at the present and in…

This paper explores the impact of the hidden curriculum on students. The hidden curriculum refers to the social relations and school climate of the schools. Two theories are presented as the basis for studying the relationship between school climate and students' social beliefs and actions. The generalization theory states that students view the…

Provides an overview of the theoretical basis and methods used for social studies classroom research. Suggests improvements in classroom climate constructs by integrating social studies literature and traditional classroom research approaches. Offers recommendations for improving future research. (SG)

The history of the territorial sea and legislative practices associated with its boundaries are examined in this study. The survey includes information related to: (l) the history of territorial zones (tracing evolutionary development and impacts); (2) United States practices (examining the purpose of authority asserted in the territorial sea);…

The Americanization movement and civics education can be interpreted as symbolic action sanctioning a particular status order with certain definitions and interpretations of social phenomena. The purpose most commonly attributed to it is the transformation of immigrants. The movement is biased toward cultural homogeneity and the anonymity of the…

The United States Capitol building fashions an historical awe that includes images of the founding fathers, legislative branch, executive branch, and the American people. Even though it was built for elected officials to take care of governmental business, it serves to represent the democratic republic from which the United States was created.…

Research shows that most students in the United States, at all grade levels, find social studies to be one of the least interesting, most irrelevant subjects in the school curriculum. Few studies have been done to explore the potential causes of these negative attitudes toward social studies. (RM)

Children and youth in rural American communities generally learn social studies/citizenship knowledge, skills, and attitudes from a variety of sources and to about the same extent as their nonrural counterparts. Although rural schools as a class are well within the educational mainstream, learning opportunities in rural schools vary widely. (BRR)

The Alaskan Klondike Gold Rush coincided with major events, including the arrival of the railroad, and it exemplified continuing trends in Seattle's (Washington) history. If not the primary cause of the city's growth and prosperity, the Klondike Gold Rush nonetheless serves as a colorful reflection of the era and its themes, including the…

This booklet is a special tribute to Lou Henry Hoover, wife of President Herbert Hoover, from a close friend, social secretary, and chief research assistant to the First Lady. The small booklet provides a look at the social history of the era by focusing on Lou Henry Hoover and her interest in the outdoors. Lou Henry Hoover was the first women to…

This book is about the teaching, instruction, and curricula required to give diverse learners a fighting chance in today's classroom as well as outside the classroom. Guidelines are offered for determining the curricular and instructional priorities in teaching diverse learners, who are typically behind their school-age peers in academic…