Social studies teachers in language immersion settings are tasked with simultaneously teaching students social studies content while also scaffolding target language acquisition. An abundance of resources exists for teaching social studies, yet language immersion teachers often rely on collaboration with colleagues to create lessons and translate…

Part of media education is showing students other ways of being, knowing, and making change away from social media. Such experiences can allow youth to reflect not only on the benefits and drawbacks of social media, but how they change the flow of our lives. They are then better positioned to choose when to use, or not use social media. Educators…

The C3LC project produced a distinct body of knowledge and resources for teachers, which have been reflected in the contents of this special issue of Social Education. The project also provided important lessons about professional learning through teacher-driven collaborative inquiry. I will summarize some of the most important ones in this…

Teachers in the trenches have led the charge to bring civics back in Illinois. Teachers played a leading role in the creation of a state civic education task force, were active participants on it, and ultimately worked with their students to advocate for action on its recommendations. Teachers are at the center of efforts in Illinois to implement…

The implementation of the C3 Framework has unfolded unlike any previous standards project. A grassroots movement rather than a top-down mandate, the C3 effort calls on teachers to be at the forefront of social studies reform. In New York State, the C3 Framework provided context and inspiration for the New York Social Studies Toolkit Project.…

This article describes 10 recommendations for creativity, higher-order thinking, and meaningful learning activities that can be used to guide teachers in constructing an engaging AP course: (1) Be on the committee that decides how students will be selected for AP; (2) Maximize time and connections through blocks of time with an English colleague;…

The author agrees with B. Spodek that the Kamii-Piagetian framework for cognitive goals is a useful conception for teachers and curriculum workers, but cautions that Spodek's analytic scheme may encourage teachers and curriculum workers to compartmentalize learning. The overriding importance of the classroom teacher in improving programs is…

The reaction paper discusses two of the goals for social studies posited by B. Spodek: social knowledge and representation. Specific and concrete examples to enable teachers to translate theory into practice are provided. (Author/RM)

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)

The development of career education is discussed, and five projects are reported. Specifics for the role of social studies' teachers are given: ideas and data sources for introducing and orienting students to the world of work; learning resources, general, and professional resources. (KM)

Explores the use of critical literature in social studies as a means for investigating social and cultural issues within society. Explains that critical literature enables students to become more critical of self and society while developing empathy for others. Provides suggestions for books that can be used with primary and upper elementary…

Presents objectives of an ideal social studies program in these areas--knowledge, abilities, valuing, and social participation. Also offers guidelines to help teachers set standards for social studies programs. (DB)

Describes the Comprehensive Social Studies Assessment Project (CSSAP), a collaborative effort by 23 states aiming to develop assessments for upper elementary, middle, and high school students in history, geography, civics, and economics. Explains that CSSAP aims to initiate a professional development program, implement a portfolio assessment, and…

Describes the Canadian Radarsat Satellite and remote sensing in order to demonstrate that teachers can incorporate this technology into the classroom. Maintains that third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students can understand and interpret remote sensing images and Landsat images. Provides a list of teaching resources other than the expensive…

Provides guidelines for successful classroom teaching about religion. Contends that teachers must be free of advocacy and that teachers should not solicit information about students religious affiliation. Encourages teachers to avoid the pitfalls of relativism and reductionism when discussing religion. (DB)