The values-in-conflict approach is emphasized as an effective method for developing student understanding of social problems. For journal availability see annotation SO 504 171. (Author/DE)

Many teachers attempt to ignore value questions in the social studies classroom, emphasizing intellectual development alone. Through actions and selection of topics and materials, however, a teacher suggests that he believes in certain ideas and events and, therefore, teaches values. The key issue here is not whether values should be taught, but…

Eight representative 7th and 8th grade social studies textbooks prescribed by the Saskatchewan Department of Education were subjected to content analysis to determine their value orientations. Results indicated that the values of wealth and power received greater quantitative treatment than the values of affection, skill, rectitude, and…

Provides a brief annotated bibliography of children's books which may be used to foster greater understanding of the five most popular holidays celebrated in U. S. public schools. The holidays are Columbus Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and St. Valentine's Day. (JDH)

Reviews the history of the public controversy surrounding the social studies curriculum, "Man: A Course of Study" (MACOS) and discusses the implications of the MACOS controversy for future curriculum development efforts in the social sciences. Available from Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 1701 K Street, N.W.,…

The nature of materials produced by social science projects are examined with respect to the spectra of opinion about what the social studies should be. The author concludes that these cool" materials (value-free social science through guided inquiry) belong in the midst of investigation of controversial issues. (JB)

Values education has become an important theme in social studies education in recent years. Although long ignored, moral education, as the British call it, is being emphasized as the pressures on and needs of children in a fast-paced society have become evident. Professional organizations have conducted workshops on the topic of values education.…

Certain fundamental perspectives on social issues have become conventions in the way society is represented in school curricula, distorting the kind of social understanding needed by young people. Among these distorting conventions are functionalism, determinism, and individualism. These approaches to social education are analyzed; alternative…

This report describes the Eisenhower Leadership Program, an approach to leadership learning that aims to educate students for democracy. Based on the premise that democracy at risk threatens the fabric of the national culture, the document presents five key elements considered essential for educating students to become democratic leaders. These…

Discusses social factors causing the creationist controversy in public education. The controversy reflects public frustration with the lack of religious frameworks in education. Social studies education should help students to understand religiously-oriented world views and other ways people make their lives meaningful. Journal available from P.O.…