The paper examines the controversy over the use of Harold Rugg's textbooks in the social studies curriculum during the 1930s and 40s. The first section discusses the philosophy of social reconstruction maintaining that teachers and students should be in the forefront of social change. Rugg's major contribution to social reconstruction was a…

In 1976 Richard Gross surveyed state social studies specialists and local supervisors to determine the status of the social studies. To determine whether the generalizations from his study are still applicable today, a questionnaire was sent to Council of State Social Studies Specialists. Results of the two studies are compared. (RM)

This paper discusses in detail the nature of the conceptual development in beginning computing education for teachers and makes a case for the inclusion of programming experiences. The controversial nature of this perspective is addressed directly including a historical perspective. The discussion includes an account of some specific notions of…

The continued interest in the development and improvement of general education programs in the colleges and universities has prompted the Office of Education to publish this bibliography for the period 1949-1953. In compiling this bibliography on general education an attempt has been made to include only articles and materials: (1) reporting…

During the past two years, changes made in medical schools in the United States have been chiefly in the erection of new buildings, improvement of teaching staffs, the rearrangement of subjects in the curriculum, and closer affiliations with hospitals, with increased opportunities for students personally to study diseases at the bedside in…

Posits that educational controversies are, in the long run, necessary to the enlightenment of American culture. Traces some representative events in the history of educational controversy; suggests some ways for educators to achieve equal footing with those who critize them. (CSS)

Presents a consistent body of evidence to support the conclusion that, from the earliest decades of the 19th century, scientific subjects represented a significant and popular part of the curriculum in schools for girls. Includes evidence from primary and secondary sources. (MJP)

Delineates two traditional assumptions of educational research: (1) social progress is tied to an evolutionary conception of change and (2) inquiry must identify actors as causal agents who create or suppress change. Argues that both assumptions are grounded in the effects of power and modernity and are complicit in social regulation. (MJP)

History professor Lawrence W. Levine defends multicultural education and the concept of extending fields of study beyond the western canon. He notes that the very idea of western civilization is barely 50 years old. Includes a number of salient points concerning immigration, language, and culture. (MJP)

Maintains that social studies education arose out of a concern for an educational system that prepared citizens for a democratic society. Describes the influence of the National Education Association and the American Historical Association on the National Council for the Social Studies. (CFR)

Contends that, even before the fall of Communism, Hungary had a long history of educational reform when compared to other East European nations. Discusses attributes of the new national basic curriculum and student assessment program. (CFR)

Asserts that the question of whether high school students should follow a uniform academic program or choose options from a differentiated curriculum has reemerged as a crucial issue. Describes how the Detroit (Michigan) Public Schools enrolled most students in a "general" track that did little to meet actual student needs. (CFR)

Reviews efforts to develop national content standards for teaching English. Today's standards movements are distinguished from earlier efforts in that the learner is recognized as active, the meaning is socially and historically contingent, and the purpose is the development of language for political power and the creation and appreciation of…

Reviews experiences from the science curricula developed by the National Science Foundation in the 1950s and 1960s for their relevance to national standard-setting efforts today. Experiences include choosing standards of success that fit available expertise, emphasizing professional development, and defining the target audience clearly. (SLD)

Thoughts of college student protests during the late 1960's and early 1970's often ignite memories of demonstrations against the Vietnam War. Stories of college student activism during the these years underplay the Civil Rights focus of African American students that preceded and paralleled the more salient Vietnam War protests. Less attention in…