Describes efforts to reform and reorganize secondary English instruction in the early years of the twentieth century, efforts leading to the formation of the National Council of Teachers of English, and the publication of the "English Journal." (Originally published in a longer version in "School Review" in November 1969.) (DD)

Offers a lesson plan for teaching students about religious leaders' views concerning poverty. Provides quotations from a rabbi, a Catholic bishop, and a Methodist minister concerning their approaches to dealing with the poor. Includes questions for students dealing with the quotations. (SG)

Argues that academic study about religion is an essential part of a complete education, especially in social studies classes, since religion and faith play a significant role in people's motivations and actions. Discusses the legality and appropriateness of teaching about the role of religion. Describes specific activities that integrate the…

Exploits of 20 black men, slave and free, who fought in battles of the American Revolution in New York state are recounted. At the beginning of the Revolutionary War, colonies did not allow slaves or free blacks to join the Continental Army. Only after the British Army offered freedom to slaves who joined the royal ranks did the Continental Army…

This unit for teaching U.S. history was designed to help students understand, appreciate, and analyze the magnitude of the Founders' creation. It permits them to understand issues confronting the Founders in 1787, to become involved in the process of resolving these issues, to comprehend the actual solutions developed by the Founders, and to…

First of a nine part series on American journalists, this article describes the contributions of John Peter Zenger to the cause of press freedom. (RB)

Describes the evolving use of by-lines since the practice was started in 1921 by the Associated Press. (RB)

Described is a two-week unit of study on state history for seventh graders. It is based on a file of newspaper articles and personal letters from the state's past. Students selectively read and summarize file items of interest to them, present oral reports, and take a written examination. (AV)

Reports the results of a study which compared oral history and traditional history methods in the areas of cognitive achievement, affective motivation, and instructional preference. Concludes that oral history was effective in fostering greater cognitive achievement, and more positive attitudes. Recommends that oral history be added to traditional…

Reviews the political conditions surrounding the Red Scare following World War I. Features a June, 1920 letter from a prominent newspaper editor which supported Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer's anti-Communist policies. Includes teaching suggestions along with a two-page reprint of the original letter. (JDH)

Claims careful planning in developing activities for history lessons will motivate students. Offers several examples of motivating devices which can be used in teaching U.S. history. (RKM)

Describes a school project in which children learn about their state's geography by visiting Virginia's historical sites. The project's culminating activity was an individual presentation by each student about the history of the area they visited. (BSR)

Explores a definition of religious literacy; examines the role of religion in U.S. history; and reviews the side effect of neglecting religious history. Examines approaches that integrate religious events and ideas into the existing curriculum. Lists primary source documents. (DH)

Provides a review of Mortimer J. Adler's 1987 book, WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS. States that Adler's book offers a useful "behind the pages" look at constitutional ideas and provides material for exciting lesson plans and fascinating class discussions. (JDH)

Identifies the difficulties of teaching the Vietnam War. States that lack of adequate materials, student disinterest, and the complexity of the issue hinder instruction. Describes how some instructors approach the subject and concludes that interest in this area should be encouraged. (GEA)