New York State is placing a new emphasis on Canada as part of their new social studies program. This reflects the increased importance attached to a global approach to education and also a recognition of Canada's importance to the United States. This guide is designed to help teachers make sense of, and to teach, understandings found in the grade…

Materials about the culture specific to French-speaking people in Canada are presented as part of the cultural component of the prescribed second language curriculum. The materials follow the suggested sequence of studying the "French Fact" in Alberta in grade 7, the study of French settlements in Canada in grade 8, and in-depth study of…

Describes a unit on North American colonization taught in an eighth-grade history class. Profiles the students' knowledge of colonial history before and after the class through in-depth interviews. Discusses current reform movements in social studies instruction and how they relate to this unit. (MJP)

This summary report from The Nation's Report Card offers a synthesis of findings from recent national assessments of American education for 9-, 13-, and 17-year-old students in a variety of subject areas. Areas covered include reading, writing, mathematics, science, American history, literature, and computer competence. Trends in academic…

This document is a collection of lessons for teaching about the Ghost Dance Movement originated by Wovoka (Jack Wilson) during the Indian removal after the Civil War. The lesson unit represents a dramatic moment in history from which students can examine the deeper meanings of the selected landmark event and explore its wider context in the…

The guide, part of a social science learning continuum from first through twelfth grades, contains outlines for two-semester social studies courses for grades 6, 7, and 8. The courses focus on the geographic setting, history, and cultures of the Americans and the need for inter-American cooperation. The guides for each course contain three…