Authors discuss the relationship between social studies education and patriotism. The authors share two lesson plans (one elementary and one secondary) that examine the racialized and politicized experiences of three professional athletes, Gabby Douglas, Colin Kaepernick, and Megan Rapinoe. Drawing on tenets of critical race media literacy and…

Due to the changing landscape of K-12 education in the United States, particularly issues arising from funding, safety, accessibility, and standardization, the frequency at which teachers utilize traditional field trips has diminished over the last few decades. Thanks to continued advances in communicative technology, however, teachers are able to…

A game to help secondary civics students understand how a Congressional bill becomes law is presented. The game board is pictured; teachers have to run off copies on the photocopier and then add dice and some colored pieces of paper for students to use as markers. (RM)

The relationship of democracy to the formal education of American students is examined. The author points out that schools, in teaching democracy, teach dogma without imparting much notion of practice. It is suggested that democracy cannot be taught in the classroom. What can be taught, however, is a manner of subordination. (SM)

Advocates an approach for teaching the civic education component of the social studies curriculum based on the teaching of political science. "Citizenship Decision-Making" materials are described as an example of curricula which conceptualize politics by permitting students to examine their own political experiences in comparison with the adult…

Explains how community legal resource persons (police officers, lawyers, law students, court employees, legislators, etc.) can contribute to high school students' understanding of the legal system. Suggestions include that the resource person's visit relate to material the class is studying and that the teacher and resource person communicate…

Maintains that citizens in a democracy have a patriotic responsibility to speak out against policies with which they sincerely disagree. Lists examples of notable American dissenters, provides guidelines for responsible dissent, and presents the comments of three prominent citizens regarding the influence of common people on government policies.…

Describes the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) Civic Education Study. Compares the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Civics Report Card with the IEA Civic Education Study. Focuses on the gaps in the NAEP that the IEA research will fill. (CMK)

Reports the results from a 1999 survey conducted through phone interviews to identify which states were using assessments in social studies and to describe the types of assessments being used. Finds that two-thirds of the states conduct assessments in social studies while most assessments use objective questions. (CMK)

Contends that early adolescents need to learn how the jury trial system works. Provides background information on the topic for teachers. Includes a two-day lesson plan on jury duty as a civic obligation, background information for students, and extension activities relating to jury trials in the appendix. (CMK)

Presents a theory from political science to serve as the unifying construct for the study of government and civics at the secondary level. Concludes with a series of assertions of what should guide the thinking related to the development of secondary level government and civics curriculum. Includes references. (CMK)

This article notes that the May 1987 release of the College Board's advanced placement exam in American government gives high school social studies departments good reason to reassess and improve their advanced placement programs. It shows how Alexis de Toqueville's classic 1935 work, "Democracy in America," may be used as a central…

A successful civic education program is one that educates citizens in the basic principles and precepts of the American political system and keeps citizens informed on specific issues and controversies. Jefferson and Lincoln both supported the sentiment that civic education must address basic principles as well as specific issues. (RM)