Prepared by the District of Columbia Street Law Project for its 14th annual city-wide mock trial competition, this instructional handout provides the material for a civil case over discrimination in housing. After the death of her husband, Cindi Kaufman, along with her infant son, moved in with her mother, Gale Kaufman, who owned a condominium at…

Prepared by the District of Columbia Street Law Project for its 17th annual city-wide mock trial competition, this instructional handout provides the material for a mock criminal trial. The federal government charges Martha Monroe with first degree murder for shooting her husband, George Monroe, while he slept. Martha Monroe asserts that she acted…

This handbook helps young people help each other prevent crime in their communities. The handbook organizes and prepares peer educators to effectively reach their peers about crime prevention. Sections of the booklet include: (1) "How and Why to Use This Handbook"; (2) "What You and Your Friends Can Do To Prevent Crime"; (3) "Where to Start"; (4)…

The author distinguishes between the concepts of political socialization and political education. He argues that political socialization has come to dominate both our thinking and our teaching in the area of civic education. Suggestions for promoting political education are included. (DE)

The proper role and function of the Supreme Court in the United States' system of government has been a matter of great controversy in recent years. "The Federalist Papers," specifically the documents written by "Publius," have much insight to contribute to this debate. In "Federalist #78," Publius makes the case for…

Two clashing positions about the social responsibility of educators and the main purpose of public schools are presented. According to the traditional position, the main purpose of public schools is transmission of a society's essential knowledge, skills, and values, which enables students to develop their capabilities to the fullest and to…

This Wisconsin state test booklet contains 110 multiple choice questions that measure civic literacy. The questions require knowledge of: (1) the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence; (2) the three branches of the U.S. government; (3) the structure of Wisconsin's government; (4) U.S. political parties and…

The paper describes a secondary level American Studies unit on U.S. foreign policy. The interdisciplinary approach of American studies focuses on the interrelationships of social science, language arts, fine arts, and natural sciences that shape American culture. The four-week unit on foreign policy was taught in a two-hour time block. Students…

The five appendixes to Results Report 1, Report 2 of the Maine Assessment of Educational Progress are provided. These appendixes are: A. Analysis Grouping Variables within Maine; B. Descriptive Data for the Sample by Region and Size of Community; C. Exercise Texts and Results Codes; D. Maine Subgroup P-Values and Standard Errors, State-to-Subgroup…

Offering a program for uniting English with social studies, this curriculum guide for 11th grade American studies helps students develop into responsible, informed, capable citizens. The integrated approach of the social sciences, humanities, history, literature, writing, art, music, speech, and fields related to science and technology emphasizes…

Describes the content and methodology of elective courses which expand Soviet student's understanding of the Soviet state and the courts, the structure of power, and the basic rights and duties of the citizen. Courses in labor law, love and family law, criminal law, and constitutional law expand the current social studies curriculum. (KC)

Reviews case law, constitutional principles, and early American writings which deal with the idea of private property. Concludes that, in the future, the issues of laissez-fare capitalism, government regulation, and the welfare state will require further clarification of our conception of private property. (JDH)

To more carefully define the nature of thinking in social studies, this article examines shared features and teaching procedures of three alternative approaches to instruction for thinking: reflective thinking, inquiry, and critical thinking. Discusses the emerging field of cognitive science and draws implications for improving traditional…

Presents Swedish views on Iran-Contra hearings and outlines issues for classroom instruction. Stresses the need to examine both the positive and negative effects of the media and the importance of teaching democratic principles. (DH)

Recent research in civic education suggests much for shaping and focusing secondary social studies methods course work. This Digest: (1) provides an overview of selected findings from recent studies of secondary students' civic understanding and engagement; and (2) offers five research-based suggestions for social studies methods instructors.…