Discusses diffusion problems of new social studies curriculum materials, exploring roles of external and internal agents of change. Recommends that subject specialists, curriculum designers, evaluators, and educational sociologists cooperate with teachers to diffuse materials. (CK)

Australian elementary school teachers were surveyed to ascertain knowledge about use of social studies curriculum material. Case studies and representative interviews were used to formulate a questionnaire, the results of which indicated that teachers were not actively involved in material selection and analysis. (Author/DF)