Criticizes "A Nation at Risk" as an agenda for conservative reaction, not reform. Comments on the underlying assumptions and implications of the Holmes and Carnegie reports. Concludes by suggesting alternatives for more substantive reform. (DH)

The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) annual meeting provides a unique opportunity for intellectual stimulation and professional growth. Several NCSS members recall their most memorable annual meeting. Every decade since the 1930s is covered. (RM)

Identifies diversity of teachers' instructional priorities, student disengagement (boredom), and mediocre teaching as three problem-areas of social studies instruction. Overcoming these problems requires that teachers place depth above coverage, that the school culture be changed to enhance student engagement, and that efforts be made to promote…

The data-gathering model for the National Assessment offers many uses and implications at state and local levels for accountability and curriculum development purposes. (Author/KM)

Individuals resist change in the same way as do institutions. Those seeking change devise their own strategies to fit each situation and guidelines are offered here involving preparation, research, identification of problem, and implementation of change. (JB)

This article deals with the selection process of social studies curriculum materials, introducing readers to the major ideas contained in the NCSS's Social Studies Curriculum Guidelines and SSEC's Curriculum Materials Analysis System. (SM)

Two new curriculum development projects, interdisciplinary in nature, are described in this article. Exploring Human Nature, the Educational Development Center project, is a social studies course for high school students which integrates biological science into its program. Conversely, the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study course, Human…

Discusses two approaches for teaching labor studies at the elementary secondary levels: elective courses and the infusion of labor topics into existing curricula. Sources of classroom materials are listed. (AM)

Describes study which focused on the economic vocabulary used in national and international news magazines and papers. Compares findings with definitions of economic literacy proposed by economists and suggests that economics courses include economic news literacy. (KC)

Describes a classroom game simulating the American westward movement in 1850. Designed for junior high school students, emphasis is on making decisions, clarifying values, and understanding the conditions of those who moved to the West. (Author/CK)

Describes two methods to incorporate problem-solving into social studies classes. Project REACH, a five-step method, teaches students the process of problem solving while using a variety of materials and classroom situations. Project USMES incorporates problem solving into a set of specially developed curriculum materials. (Author/AV)

An argument in favor of the "new" social studies which stresses inquiry, argument, challenge, and rigor. In a time when the guiding influences of family and religion are weakening, social studies should attempt to develop students' ethical and moral growth. (AV)

Poses ethical questions related to social studies education and professional values in five case studies illustrating the six principles of the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) Code of Ethics. Raises questions about the NCSS's involvement in overseeing professional ethics and encourages discussion about ethical principles. (LS)

Describes the establishment of the Ad Hoc Committee on Scope and Sequence by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS). Outlines the responsibilities of the Committee, the process used to formulate curriculum criteria and the resultant criteria for social studies education curriculum design. (SLM)

Discusses the economic situation in the non-Arab nations of Africa. Presents two opposing views of the efforts of the World Bank at adjusting the financial programs of governments of developing countries. Suggests that perhaps with cooperation the cycle of poverty and disease can be broken in Africa. (DK)