In this article, the authors share a unique and unfolding story about a program in Virginia that allows districts to opt into a series of Inquiry Design Model (IDM) performance assessments in place of the state-developed multiple-choice test. In the Rockingham County School District, this initiative was piloted in ninth-grade World Geography…

A growing body of research has demonstrated that open educational resources (OER) provide an opportunity for improvements in learning outcomes compared to traditional texts. This project builds on the Open Education Group's COUP framework to explore student and faculty use and perceptions of an open education World Regional Geography textbook.…

The globalization of the agriculture industry has created an emerging need for agricultural education in the United States to take a more globalized approach to prepare students for future careers in agriculture. The purpose of this study was to identify international agricultural concepts for secondary agricultural education curriculum. A Delphi…

The authors share a successful Fulbright Group Projects Abroad grant award. The purpose of the grant was to enhance American educators' experience and knowledge of South Africa, in particular, and sub-Saharan Africa more generally. Toward that end, participants experienced a multifaceted view of South Africa's geographical diversity, both physical…

EIGHT UNITS OF WORLD HISTORY AND WORLD GEOGRAPHY ARE USED IN THE SIXTH GRADE AT GROSSE POINTE, MICHIGAN. THE PURPOSE OF THE FIRST UNIT, "MAN LEARNS TO USE HIS WORLD," IS TO CONSIDER CONTRIBUTIONS OF CULTURE BY OTHER CIVILIZATIONS AND GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS. THIS HISTORY OF PRIMITIVE PEOPLES AND CIVILIZATIONS IS TAUGHT. POSSIBLE GROUP…

Outlines the need for a world systems approach to locating one's experiences in the environment. Uses experiences of three poets and of the author to illustrate questions and issues geography teachers should reflect on when teaching Australian geography in a world context. Concludes with 10 questions that encourages teachers to reflect on these…

Discusses the reintroduction of geography into national school curricula--specifically, Louisiana--as a consequence of the renewed emphasis on the mastery of basic academic subjects. Stresses the challenge of providing teacher training, teaching geography through concepts rather than facts, and makes recommendations for teaching world geography in…

Reviews difficulties publishers have in adequately representing world regions. Recommends that teachers: (1) use textbooks analytically, (2) provide alternative perspectives, (3) use supplementary materials, (4) incorporate analysis of mass media, (5) take advantage of local resources, and (6) continuously examine and modify their social studies…

Praises the resolution passed by the Texas Council for the Social Studies Executive Board that calls for a four-year high school social studies curriculum that includes a required course in world geography studies. Argues that this coursework will help prepare students for college, and might lead to successful geography-related careers. (LS)

Discusses the social studies requirements of Sidney High School (Ohio) and the place of geography in the curriculum. Maintains the importance of geography. Outlines several world geography activities used at the school including supermarket geography that teaches students the origin of their food. (RW)

This speech bemoans the deplorable state of geography education in the United States. American students' geographical knowledge is far inferior to that of European, Russian, Japanese, Canadian, or Australian students. This nation's young people literally do not know where they are, what other cultures are like, or how things fit together. A recent…

This examination of the status of geography in U.S. junior colleges begins with a consideration of the role of two-year colleges in higher education, and an appraisal of the place of geography in the context of general education. Results of a broad survey including number of instructors, courses, enrollment, etc. are followed by a detailed…

Proposes a new role for middle school teachers in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. This role involves reexamination of curriculum content in world cultures, geography, history, and comparative religions to give students a fuller idea of their place in the world and the concepts of justice and fairness as practiced in the…