Maintains that criticism of the National History Standards is inaccurate and politically motivated. Claims that conservatives value history instruction as an inculcation of patriotism rather than a search for truth. Praises the Standards as fair, insightful, and useful. (MJP)

Claims that the proposed National History Standards subvert the legitimate purpose of history instruction, the explanation and understanding of historical meaning, in an effort to redress historical grievances. Argues that the Standards apply a critical perspective to European culture while celebrating the achievements of native cultures. (MJP)

Criticizes the very notion of national standards for history. Maintains that the interpretative nature of historical study does not lend itself to the establishment of a single set of curricular standards. Argues that the most effective means of improving history instruction is to improve education for history teachers. (MJP)

Aspects of required teacher competencies and new developments in social studies, lingering conflicts, and suggestions to strengthen the social studies teaching profession are observed in an address by the President of the National Council of Social Studies. (KM)

Presents the presidential address of the 1990 National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) annual meeting. Contends the current debate over social studies curriculum should continue to examine a variety of curriculum models. Argues the source of curriculum content should reside in the citizenry. Maintains educators must redirect their energies…

Presents the address delivered by President Richard Theisen at the 79th National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Annual Conference in Orlando (Florida). Discusses topics such as improving pre-service teacher education, content of social studies textbooks, staff development for teachers, student assessment, and civics education. (CMK)

A social studies department chairperson describes the case concerning the importance of elementary social studies education that she presented at a school board hearing. As a result of her presentation, the board added 50 minutes to the daily time allotted for intermediate grade social studies instruction. (RM)

What do we know about education and diversity, and how do we know it? This two-part question guided the work of the Multicultural Education Consensus Panel, which included the eight scholars named above. The panel's work was sponsored by the Center for Multicultural Education at the University of Washington and the Common Destiny Alliance at the…

Provides an overview of the material included in the recently published, "Voluntary National Content Standards in Economics." The document offers teachers a package that articulates the goals of economic instruction and gives them a source of materials they can use in their classroom to teach the standards. (MJP)