We often hear that a key purpose of schooling is to prepare students for informed and active citizenship. But what does this look like in practice? How do teachers pursue this goal amid other pressing priorities, including student mastery of both academic content and social-emotional competencies? "Students Taking Action Together," based…

Developed through a broad-based national consensus building process, the National History Standards project has involved working toward agreement both on the larger purposes of history in the school curriculum and on the more specific history understandings and thinking processes that all students should have equal opportunity to acquire over 12…

Developed through a broad based national consensus building process, the National History Standards project has involved working toward agreement both on the larger purposes of history in the school curriculum and on the more specific history understandings and thinking processes that all students should have equal opportunity to acquire over 12…

Nineteen ninety-two is the 500th anniversary of Columbus's first voyage to the Americas. This position statement challenges educators to participate in commemorating the quincentenary by seriously examining the available scholarship to enhance knowledge about 1492, and in turn, to enhance the knowledge of students. Specifically, educators are…

Suggests that special interest groups have disrupted efforts to implement curriculum programs on human rights issues. Argues that history cannot be tailored to allow people to hide from the past. Identifies the challenges of battling those who attempt to revise history and of approaching teaching about the Holocaust. Recommends extensive teacher…

Discusses a curriculum on the Holocaust and genocide. Expresses the belief that Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream of human equality can be a world dream. Argues that the curriculum is not a "Jewish" one, because it addresses examples of genocide from many cultures, and its authors are educators of various faiths. (SG)

Describes a project that uses childrens' literature to teach social studies and history in elementary classrooms. Reviews research which suggests that students at this level prefer to read narrative literature rather than traditional textbooks. Describes the project's impact on participating students and teachers. (CFR)

This instructional media advisory list was compiled to support the teaching of U.S. founding documents in North Carolina schools. Many entries in the annotated bibliography focus directly on such works as the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Other items that are cited reflect contemporary applications of the…

This document contains a set of curriculum standards to guide social studies curricula, teaching, learning tasks, and assessment. These social studies standards are organized to incorporate learning experiences from many disciplines. This book presenting the social studies standards is designed to serve three purposes: (1) to serve as a framework…

Discusses the Bradley Commission, which voiced concerns about the adequacy of the K-12 social studies curriculum. Suggests that the need for the history-centered curriculum endorsed by the commission is not supported by research. Cites findings contradicting commission claims that history instruction promotes good citizenship. (SG)

Reviews criticism of history instruction and historical knowledge in the United States since 1939. Contends that critics have shared almost identical concerns during that period. Suggests that, although efforts must continually be made to strengthen history instruction, the "crisis" in history is ephemeral and usually linked to…

Questions whether current social studies curriculum units and learning activities contribute to the goals of citizenship education. Contends that student attitudes about citizenship are seldom affected by typical social studies instruction. Asserts that teachers must understand and accept larger educational goals and develop classroom activities…

Provides an overview of the National Commission on Social Studies in the Schools' publication, "Charting a Course: Social Studies for the 21st Century." Reprints the report's curriculum characteristics and goals segments, which briefly outlines content placement. Presents conflicting conceptions of social studies education and questions…

Discusses objectives of "Canada in a North American Perspective," a controversial postsecondary course taught as an Ontario Academic Credit course. Argues examination of Canada's perspective and history as a North American nation can benefit from comparison to the United States. Suggests this continentalist approach need not diminish…

Describes a variety of computer software programs and student activities utilizing the computer to help teach secondary social studies. Suggests using word processors, painting programs, and computer simulations for history and government courses. Concludes that successful use of computers in social studies instruction depends on the design of…