A diverse democracy brings together people whose differences include partisan leanings, life experiences, histories, religious beliefs, racial identities, and sexual orientations to address common problems and build a shared future. Social studies educators can help prepare youth to pursue this goal by advancing core commitments to respectful and…

In this article the author reflects on her visits to American schools to talk about the experiences she describes in "Red Scarf Girl." In her book, she explains picture by picture, story after story how she and her family lived in darkness, how they were brainwashed, and about the concentration of power in China. She stresses that …

Bridges are some of the most majestic features in the American landscape. For classrooms, the bridge serves as an important component of one of the main themes of geography: movement. One bridge, north of Manhattan and crossing the Hudson River, is the Tappan Zee. One aspect that stands out in a way that does not at all appear reasonable: the…

During most of the twentieth century, Mexico was governed by one of the longest-ruling authoritarian parties in the contemporary world. Even as most Latin American countries democratized in the 1980s, Mexico remained under the control of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). It was not until the 2000 presidential election that a two-party…

With the 2008 election quickly approaching, candidates continue the scramble to fund their campaigns--collecting money from individuals, corporations, and labor unions. Students can learn a great deal about the political system by examining how politicians are financed. The vast majority of high school students do not understand the influence of…

Identifies the developing nations of the Pacific Rim to be the Philippines, Indonesia, and 21 small states such as Fiji and Papua, New Guinea. Discusses the political and economic factors which both hinder and aid the governments of these nations. Contends that the region's tremendous potential is unrealized because of economic underdevelopment…

Reviews data collected in a 1982 national survey of state social studies coordinators which shows the patterns of textbook adoptions in the area of high school geography for the 20 states that use statewide adoption. Concludes that throughout the 1970s and early 1980s Texas's impact on other states' geography selections was almost nonexistent.…

Presents an historical analysis of the socialist revolution of 1917 which brought Lenin and the Bolsheviks to power in the Soviet Union and led to the establishment in Russia of a communist government. (DB)

The author, in reviewing his early formal experience as a social studies teacher, reflects on the permanent values and importance of social education. Geography, which has played such a key role in his own writing, is singled out as being of fundamental significance. (JB)

Discusses the belief system approach to foreign policy analysis which recognizes that individual, national, and international attributes contribute to a group's world-view. Identifies three U.S. belief systems and states that the geopolitical view, which aligns the world into zones of U.S.-USSR influence, has been predominant toward the Pacific…

Discusses the assessment criteria, methodology, findings, and onclusions of Gilbert T. Sewall's 1987 report: American History Textbooks: An Assessment of Quality (SO 018 768). Contends that the report reveals that standard research procedures were implemented poorly, if at all. Criticizes the selection of the review panel and concludes that the…

This article presents results regarding political participation from a survey of the background and characteristics of 1,200 social studies classroom teachers in six states. Findings indicated that 98 percent of social studies teachers voted frequently or occasionally. Information is also presented on political contributions, attendance at public…

Integrity in the search for truth is not the aim of the textbook business. Pressures are put on publishers by various political groups. The result is monotonous, bland, glossy, vapid textbooks. The system is largely to blame. Choice and competition must be brought into the textbook business. (RM)

A high school student discusses symptoms of Americans' lack of interest in pursuing their dreams. The American dream has been replaced for many by the need for financial security. The decline of the American dream is reflected in our political leadership and in the decline in importance of intellectual pursuits. (RM)

The results of a recent survey of educators on controversies over materials and topics, solutions of controversies, sources of pressure to avoid controversial materials and topics, and climate for innovation are presented. (Author/DE)