Describes a high school U.S. history class that combines experiential learning with local history. The class models their historical inquiry after a fictional character in, "The Secret of Gumbo Grove," who uncovers her hometown's secrets. A class trip to the local cemetery provides opportunities for historical research. (MJP)

Presents a map of Europe identifying the location of major concentration camps, extermination camps, and massacre sites during World War II. Maintains that only a few of the over 400 sites in the former Soviet Union where entire Jewish villages were exterminated are shown. (CFR)

Reports on efforts to develop "Crossroads," a K-16 articulated, content-based, spiral curriculum in United States history. Discusses the historical framework underlying the curriculum. Presents the curriculum's 12-era chronology and 8 substantive themes. (CFR)

Describes the historical role and rationale of music education. Outlines the contribution of musical knowledge to the development of the individual and society. Concludes that, if music is to assume a central place in schools, a political philosophy of music education, including ideas of freedom, democracy, and social values, must be forged. (CFR)

Asserts that intended audience size for academic historians and other historians is a major barrier between the two groups. Concludes that cooperation between precollege teachers and historians is necessary and that teachers should have more voice in curriculum development. (CFR)

Contends that individuals and organizations advocating the peaceful resolutions of disputes have been important in shaping U.S. history. Asserts that teachers discussing diplomatic history should focus on the way domestic political forces shaped that history. Provides a chronological overview of the impact of the peace movement on U.S diplomatic…

The Carver Community Center in Evansville, Indiana, uses an academic enrichment program to support neighborhood students. The curriculum involves children in learning about African-American literary traditions and folk art. The Center's work is based on the premise that African-American children need to encounter the reality of history as in…

In order to study for citizenship tests, amnesty students need to be able to read U.S. history material, although they usually have no background knowledge for it. According to schema theory, background knowledge is important for reading comprehension. Research has shown significant improvement in the reading comprehension of intermediate level…

A K-12 social studies curriculum organized around concept teaching and skill development is presented in five sections. Section 1 contains general information on philosophy and program goals. Section 2, subdivided into 7 parts, outlines the courses of study for grades K-6. Presented in chart form, each grade level description outlines major…

In 1984, the New York State Regents issued an action plan calling for changes in curriculum, high school graduation requirements, and educational standards. Histories of school reform indicate, however, that state legislation alone cannot successfully or permanently improve educational practice. This essay therefore surveys the history of federal…

This collection of three instructional modules for use in high school social studies classes includes course descriptions for twenty-three units of study. The format followed presents basic notes to the instructor on the intended scope of the course, teaching perspective and related bibliographic sources. Conceptual diagrams are drawn and a…

The arithmetic with which the American schoolboy of the twentieth century wrestles differs in many respects from the "cyphering" which was truly a stumbling block to many a child in colonial days. Not only have there been significant changes in the subject matter of arithmetic, but also in the aim of instruction, in the place of…

Because of the individual authority of each State for its own educational program, practices and policies differ widely among them in many respects. Yet in the midst of differences there are also common elements of development. The U. S. Office of Education, in presenting this series of monographs, has attempted to point out those common elements,…

Describes a middle school history unit focused on the African American experience. The unit is constructed around four general types of historical questions that can be applied to any history unit. These are informational, empathetic, methodological, and analytical/evaluative. Provides examples of each type of question. (MJP)

Presents an interview with Steven Spielberg on his goals and methods for making "Schindler's List." Maintains that the important lessons of truth and tolerance will help prevent the Holocaust from happening again. Describes cooperative ventures with educational groups to develop instructional materials associated with the film. (CFR)