In seeking a disciplinary literacy model that would enable students to express well-developed perspectives and argue contrasting views with the sound use of evidence, the authors developed a student-driven model that emphasized historical investigation, offered substance, and scaffolded reading and writing. To support their project, they created…

The Group Reading Inventory (GRI) is a reading evaluation tool that can survey an entire class of students at the same time. A testing sequence using GRI that allows teachers to identify the functional reading levels of most students in three short examination sessions is presented. (RM)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 1992 notable trade books selected by the the National Council for the Social Studies and the Children's Book Council. Categorizes books by reading level and subject matter. Includes fiction, nonfiction, biographies, songbooks, and reference works. (CFR)

Presents a unit designed to develop critical reading skills. Establishes goals and lists topics for consideration, such as understanding cause and effect relationships, distinguishing fact from opinion, identifying propaganda techniques, distinguishing relevant from irrelevant information, and recognizing bias giving examples of each. (NL)

Cites numerous research studies stating that the textbook remains the dominant tool in social studies, causing a low regard for the subject by many students. Looks at reading research to provide instructional procedures that social studies teachers can employ to enhance students' understanding of the written materials they encounter. (KO)

This bibliographic essay discusses how Australian children's books and adolescent literature reflect Australian society. For example, Australian society tends to be male dominated; problems of a boy growing up in a mainly macho world are dealt with in Southall's "Josh" and "Walk a Mile" and in Phipson's "A Tide…

States that newspaper and magazine journalism tend to depict handicapped persons as victims. Explains that teachers can help eliminate this stereotypic imagery through writing and critical reading exercises. (GG)

Presents an annotated bibliography of six books that won the 1994 Carter G. Woodson Book Award presented by the National Council for the Social Studies. States that the award was established to inspire contemporary authors to continue to write books related to ethnic minorities. (CFR)

States that the Carter G. Woodson Book Award was established to encourage the writing, publishing, and dissemination of outstanding social science books that treat ethnic minority and race relation issues sensitively and accurately. Presents an annotated bibliography of the 12 award-winning books for 1992-93. (CFR)

Asserts that oral history and children's literature are effective strategies for making history relevant to elementary students. Includes a figure illustrating the webbing approach and 37 recommended children's books. (CFR)

Maintains that 40% of 13-year-old students and 16% of 18-year-old students have not acquired intermediate reading skills. Asserts that teachers must strengthen students' motivation if they are to help them improve literacy skills. Recommends classroom activities and reading materials on this topic. (CFR)

Maintains that the inclusion of scholarship about women's history has not proceeded as vigorously in secondary schools as in colleges. Asserts that resources to incorporate women's history into high school curriculum are widely available. Identifies books by Anzia Yezierska and Charlotte Perkins Gilman. (CFR)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 154 trade books selected by a joint committee of the National Council for the Social Studies and the Children's Book Council and recommended for use in social studies education. Presents the criteria for selection and categorizes the books into primary, intermediate, and advanced levels. (CFR)

Explains semantic mapping as a visual representation of knowledge that is useful for understanding underlying textbook concepts. Outlines steps for constructing a conceptual map with ninth grade students to be used as an aid in reading about peoples of the Middle East. Emphasizes student participation for effective semantic mapping. Provides…

Contends that it is important for students to be motivated and well prepared for class units and activities. Describes a "previews of coming attractions" instructional strategy that uses advance organizers to increase information processing efficiency. Includes a sample unit outline illustrating this approach. (CFR)