Provides an overview of U.S. politics from 1994 to 1996 for the secondary school student. Emphasizes election results and the conflicts and compromises between Republicans and Democrats in a system of divided government. Includes an extensive list of questions to be used for class discussions or research papers. (MJP)

Describes the adaptation of the Future Problem-Solving Process (FPS) in a global studies class. The process applies state-of-the-art critical thinking and problem solving to unstable areas such as the Middle East and the former Soviet Union. Includes handouts directing the students through the process. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan that teaches students to analyze the goals and effectiveness of the juvenile justice system. Instructional materials include handouts describing three criminal situations involving teenagers and copies of an article on the juvenile justice system. Activities include small group discussions followed by a class discussion.…

Discusses the Close Up Foundation's sponsorship of social studies students' trips to Washington, D.C. Describes one school's experience of planning and financing the trip, as well as its public forums and club for students to gain experience in politics and citizenship. Reports a study of Close Up participants, their political attitude…

Presents a lesson tracing the legal evolution toward greater justice in U.S. society from 1865-1965 through congressional acts and Supreme Court decisions. Includes student handouts of major civil rights cases, legislation, and background information. Provides a bar graph for evaluating Supreme Court decisions and congressional acts that advance…

Advocates teaching constitutional history and principles to middle school students in accordance with the 1988 California History-Social Science Framework. Reports findings of a survey of 118 California middle school and high school teachers that revealed a need for improved teacher knowledge about the U.S. Constitution. Recommends steps to ensure…

Describes a typical week for a secondary student participating in the Close Up Foundation's Washington-based field trip. Discusses the formal and informal curriculum and the interaction among students from different parts of the United States. Outlines Close Up programs at the local and state levels and the emphasis on lifelong learning. (CFR)

This report documents the development and validation of the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88) cognitive test battery. The cognitive test battery assesses growth between grades 8 and 12 in the content areas of reading comprehension, mathematics, science, and history/citizenship/geography. The battery was part of the NELS:88…

This serial issue concerns itself with several conflicts between individual rights and allegedly wrongful acts that the Supreme Court has not considered previously. The articles on these topics illuminate the constitutional issues of equal protection, due process, and freedom of expression. Specific issues addressed include: (1) equal educational…

The relationship between student scores on standardized achievement tests taken in the eighth grade and the Ohio Ninth Grade Proficiency Test (ONGPT) was studied to determine whether standardized achievement test cut-off scores can be used in place of the ONGPT. Students enrolled in the eighth grade in an urban school district in the spring of…

An eight-chapter resource guide helps high school students become actively involved in the presidential election process. Chapter 1 contains directions for student participation in the 1984 Michigan statewide mock election; these directions are easily adaptable to other state and local mock election projects. Included are sample voter application…

Designed for use in secondary school social studies classes, this guide provides activities for helping students understand some of the fundamental principles of government as well as its structure, politics, and effects on the individual. Information, articles, and cartoons from the Austin-American Statesman form the basis of the readings, along…

This teaching unit is one of a series of materials developed by the Comprehensive Vocational Teacher Education Program for the Mississippi ARC (Appalachian Regional Commission) Region to provide teacher educators, vocational directors, teachers, and others with basic instructional material needed to improve professional teaching competencies. The…

One of a series of teacher-developed curriculum guides designed to encourage student participation and involvement in important social issues, this secondary level guide helps 7th through 12th grade English and social studies educators teach about the election process. An introductory section suggests practical considerations, means of enlisting…

This publication is the Teacher Guide to the "What If...Series," a series of four booklets containing readings and activities which will help secondary students and adults learn about the political and legal systems and acquire effective coping skills. Topics treated in the booklets are: how a bill becomes a law; the rights of the arrested; how to…