Teaching responsible citizenship is a constant and on-going theme in the grade-level settings of the 1981 "History/Social Science Framework for California Public Schools." The topics of government courses at each grade level, 1-12, as proposed by the Framework are discussed. (RM)

Depicts the lackadaisical attitude of students in a high school government and history class. Cautions that without a sound knowledge of and appreciation for democratic rights and the political struggles from which they developed, future generations may lose the privileges that they currently enjoy. (DSK)

Siamese baseball is used to introduce secondary government students to a study of authority, justice, responsibility, and privacy. The thematic/conceptual approach to the course is outlined. (RM)

Because of the unpopularity of the inquiry method, most new government texts are of the straight narrative type. Many educators believe that civics curriculum materials are subject to censorship by special interest groups. Regarding goal achievement, many believe civic education has not trained students to accept their civic responsibilities. (RM)

Presents 10 ideas for service learning projects designed for elementary schools. Includes having students do local history projects complete with interviews and artifacts, learn about community volunteering, interact with the elderly, care for the environment, recycle materials, and hold canned food drives. (MJP)

Outlines approaches for student evaluation in service learning projects. Maintains that most service learning project participants' goals fall into three broad areas: civic development, academic achievement, and personal or social development. Assessment in these areas can be accomplished through tabulation of service hours, student journals, and…

Presents six service learning lesson plans from the Constitutional Rights Foundation. Each lesson plan represents a step in a larger service project. The plans include "Defining and Assessing Your Community"; "Choosing and Researching a Problem"; "Examining Policy"; "Exploring Options"; and "Taking…

Examines factors contributing to youth violence and suggests ways that service learning can mitigate their influence. Community-based programs can fill the void of unstructured, unsupervised time tempting many youth. Peer education and cross-age teaching can help create positive attitudes towards cooperation and responsible behavior. (MJP)

Discusses the U.S. Constitution's endurance throughout the years and states that it must be taught so that all citizens will know the value of their participation in a democratic society. Advocates a "Celebration of the Constitution," teaching it with the respect and vigor it deserves on its 200th birthday. (GEA)

Central to effective citizen participation is the application of group skills to the accomplishment of common goals. Sequential stages in the development of group skills are discussed, and diagnostic questions for assessing skill development are presented. (RM)

Profiles Active Citizenship Today (ACT), a social studies service learning program for middle and high school students. In ACT, students explore their community, identify problems, examine public policy, explore their options, and take action. Includes unit excerpts from the ACT teacher's handbook. (MJP)

Maintains that citizenship education is at the center of social studies instruction. Asserts that citizenship responsibilities can be taught in the K-12 classroom. Presents three case studies of teachers using classroom techniques to improve student's support for democratic values. (CFR)

Provides a review of Mortimer J. Adler's 1987 book, WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS. States that Adler's book offers a useful "behind the pages" look at constitutional ideas and provides material for exciting lesson plans and fascinating class discussions. (JDH)

Presents four brief essays expressing the importance of combining service learning and citizenship education. Authors Benjamin Barber, Joan Schine, Harry C. Boyte, and James C. Kielsmeier stress the advantages of learning democratic concepts and principles, as well as understanding civic government, through student participation. (MJP)

Provides 11 guideposts for teachers and students planning constructive community action projects. These include avoid overanalysis at the beginning, write your original idea down before you modify it, ignore negativity, do your homework, build a core group, and recruit community allies. (MJP)