Responds to a critique by Ronald Evans of Ravitch's position on the teaching of history. States that the goals of history are to put students in command of knowledge which will allow them to reach their own conclusions. Urges that teachers take the risk of allowing students to think for themselves. (KO)

Critiques the recommendations proposed by the Bradley Commission on History in Schools' report on the state of history in the schools. Maintains that the recommendations are too narrowly centered, and points out that few members of the commission were from the public schools. Challenges the supposition that more history leads to good citizens. (RW)

Discusses the Bradley Commission, which voiced concerns about the adequacy of the K-12 social studies curriculum. Suggests that the need for the history-centered curriculum endorsed by the commission is not supported by research. Cites findings contradicting commission claims that history instruction promotes good citizenship. (SG)

Reviews criticism of history instruction and historical knowledge in the United States since 1939. Contends that critics have shared almost identical concerns during that period. Suggests that, although efforts must continually be made to strengthen history instruction, the "crisis" in history is ephemeral and usually linked to…

Provides a definition of what is meant by Eastern Europe and includes statements on important persons or events in East Europe that had impact outside the region. Addresses the reasons why it is difficult to teach about Eastern Europe and offers some tips on teaching about Eastern Europe. (CMK)

Believes that there has been a return to the definition of citizenship forwarded by educational reformers of the 1890's that characterizes the reform efforts of the 1990's. Reviews the ongoing debate in reform efforts of whether citizenship education should be integrated into the social studies as opposed to the history curriculum. (CMK)

Educators and policy makers across Europe are faced with the challenge of integrating increasingly diverse populations into society to create a unified citizenship. These tasks are great for any state but are especially pronounced in the Republic of Moldova, where there is a growing divide between the state and Moldovan teachers. As their European…

Late in 2007 New Visions for Public Schools, a New York City reform organization, received a grant from the C.S. Mott Foundation to organize select high schools and community partners into delivery systems that could improve student achievement. New Visions asked Policy Studies Associates, Inc. to provide research support for this effort in the…

The "ISSS Annual Conference Proceedings" is a peer-reviewed professional publication published once a year following the annual conference. The following papers are included in the 2013 proceedings: (1) Teaching About Asia in a Social Science Education Program (Cyndi Mottola Poole and Joshua L. Kenna); (2) Teaching Students about…

This paper examines the content of the proposed national standards for U.S. history and world history. The document suggests shortcomings of the developed standards as being without an emphasis on the themes of democracy and western civilization and an overemphasis on multicultural ideas. Specific standards in each of the areas are addressed with…

Discusses the current debate over history's proper role in the social studies curriculum, emphasizing the view that it must contribute significantly to social learning in order to warrant expansion. Stating that the debate is just beginning, the author suggests that students should become involved in the "rich intellectual ferment" of…

Criticisms against the way history is being taught today are discussed, and some responses to the criticisms are made. There is a need for a universal view of history--for a history that transcends national and regional boundaries and comprehends the entire globe. (RM)

Discusses the Organization of American Historians (OAH) endorsement of the Bradley Commission on History in Schools recommendations. Identifies a gap in the OAH's support of precollegiate teaching, and urges the OAH to take an active role in improving precollegiate teaching. Considers why the OAH should support the Bradley Commission. Suggests how…

Discusses the elementary school's social studies curriculum with references to: "James Madison Elementary School: A Curriculum for Elementary School," (William Bennett); Matthew Downey and Linda Levstik's review of research on the teaching and learning of history; and "Social Studies for Early Childhood and Elementary School…

Describes the founding and evolution of "The Social Studies," by Albert E. McKinley in 1909. Identifies the struggle between historians and social studies educators for the "soul" of the magazine during the 1930s. Concludes that the magazine has served both history education and social studies education well. (CFR)