The history of social studies in the twentieth century is the story of a field of study not yet coming of age. As is true in most emerging fields, the first one hundred years of social studies has been marked by confusion, competing visions, inconsistency, incoherence, and intolerance. Many have considered the social studies' first century as…

After September 11, 2001, the Bush administration initiated large-scale electronic surveillance within the United States to gather intelligence to protect citizens from terrorists. Media commentary, public reaction, and classroom practices regarding this program have tended toward either-or positions: either for presidential power and national…

Traces historical precedents of values development and citizenship education in the United States and Canada. Proposes a framework for democratic values education. Explores teaching methods and classroom environments that promote democratic citizenship education. Exhorts social studies educators to integrate teaching and learning in citizenship…

Asserts that one of the most important goals of education should be to help students become responsible citizens who want to be informed about contemporary events. Recommends instructional techniques and current event issues to encourage student curiosity and involvement. Includes an annotated listing of teacher resources. (CFR)

Contends that educational reform efforts have neglected the values of civic education and its implications for civic and social life. Asserts that this is not true in Europe where an increasing focus on the European dimension in education has a strong civic education component. (CFR)

Argues that economic literacy is necessary for an informed opinion about the factors influencing our society and government. Maintains that, currently, high school students' misinformation about economic facts and their inability to perform economic analysis puts our economy at risk. Advocates increasing objective and nonpartisan economics…

Criticizes the assumption that citizenship education is the defining mission of social studies. Cogently analyzes the defects of this argument, including a lack of related scholarship, inconsistent application from the schools, and little evidence of positive benefits. Proposes a curriculumwide integration of citizenship education. (MJP)

Argues that a democratic citizenry must be technologically literate and able to analyze data to make wise decisions. Illustrates how one Redmond, Washington, sixth grade social studies class used databases to show the changing nature of information and computer applications in social studies units. Stresses the relationship between information…

Argues that teaching authentic civic values in schools frequently requires teaching about controversial issues. Asserts that adequate teacher preparation and continued inservice education is essential for effective instruction about contemporary social problems. Includes two model lessons and a list of organizations that offer materials for civic…

Cautions that there is too much wishful thinking and fanciful rhetoric in citizenship education in the United States today and too little room for objectives that are feasible and acceptable to students. Suggests that citizenship education should include a study of the following principles--rational ignorance, rational voting, representative…

Making children good citizens for tomorrow, despite the examples of dishonesty and irresponsibility available in today's news headlines, requires of teachers a positive attitude, concrete positive examples, and thoughtful discussion of personal responsibility. (JH)

Proposes that the purpose of social studies is to promote good citizenship. States that teachers need to address the concept of citizenship education, with specific knowledge, skills, and beliefs. Contends that once this concept has been presented, specific types of learning activities such as "webbing" will assist students in…

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)

Describes the beginnings and development of the New Social Studies as an attempt to foster citizen ability to make decisions on major issues. Suggests that the movement ended because of commercialization of materials, lack of a research base, failure to consider the personalities of teacher and student, and failure to consider the hidden…