Observes that, as families have changed over recent decades, so have their needs. Argues that social studies instruction for young students must change as well. Explores professional requirements for early childhood educators and the availability of public preschool programs. Discusses possible improvements in early childhood education in social…

Presents results of a study examining the relationship between a social studies classroom environment and the development of student creativity. Questions whether environments conducive to creativity can be encouraged in the Nigerian primary school system. Concludes that most teachers in the study did not foster creativity. Recommends means of…

Discusses challenges facing secondary social studies teachers in attempting to develop in learning disabled students an awareness of civic rights and responsibilities. Summarizes research on adolescents with learning problems into demands of work habits, knowledge acquisition, and expression. Describes the strategies intervention model for…

Addresses the need for implementing computer technology in social studies programs. Offers five different constructs for teachers to consider when applying computer technology in social studies classrooms, and the topic of development in particular. Gives a list of Web sites, each with accompanying abstracts, on development issues, map resources,…

Offers three public policy perspectives on the issue of juvenile violence: (1) kids need a nonviolent popular culture; (2) kids at risk need more help; and (3) kids need more moral discipline. Presents a way to approach each of the perspectives. (Contains references.) (CMK)

Maintains that the extraordinary privileges and responsibilities attached to contemporary and future United States citizenship demands a more global approach to social studies. Proposes four essential elements and three major themes to set the boundary for the scope of the social studies. Provides an illustrative example of appropriate grade level…

Reviews facts and statistics regarding the use of emergency powers by the South African government. Details the effects of restrictions on constitutional rights and reveals that two-thirds of all killings which occurred during the state of emergency were done by security forces. (JDH)

In 1983, elementary and secondary teachers in West Germany were surveyed concerning the treatment of social themes in school curricula. As in a similar survey conducted in the United States, West German respondents indicated that every theme surveyed was important, with nuclear disarmament and environmental pollution clearly considered the most…

Teachers and police officers work closely in the Police-School-Liaison-Program, a K-12 project of the Wichita, Kansas, schools which has improved police-school and community relations and contributed to law-related education goals. Inservice teacher education is provided; curriculum materials have been developed; and police officers participate in…

The teacher education standards presented here provide criteria by which to assess both preservice and inservice programs that seek to improve the quality of social studies education. They can be used as guides for either planning or reviewing existing programs. (RM)

The driving and resisting forces of introducing computers into social studies classrooms are examined. Elementary teachers' concerns about computers, as revealed in a case study, include the need for training, how to manage computer assisted instruction, where computers should be used in the curriculum, and the need for relevant software. (RM)

Explains two factors that influence economic education: state mandates and teacher background. Gives an overview of a typical one-semester economics course and teacher ranking of course goals. Cites research showing that students' average economic understanding increases six percent after economics instruction. Concludes that although states are…

Offers a thematic approach for social studies scope and sequence. Outlines 10 themes which are offered at each grade level K-12 providing the scope for the curriculum. Illustrates how higher-order thinking and inquiry can be incorporated into the program and outlines the content for grades K-12. (SLM)

Demystifies ideas surrounding U.S. foreign aid to the underdeveloped countries of the world and dispels many commonly held notions concerning the generosity of this foreign aid. Advocates revising U.S. aid programs along the lines of the proposed Global Poverty Reduction Act. (KO)

Reports on the Third International Social Studies Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1994. Asserts that problems facing U.S. social studies, such as multiculturalism and individual rights, are not as important as development issues for African nations. (CFR)