Traditionally, civic education has been introduced at the eighth grade level. Research indicates that youngsters begin learning political information and attitudes much earlier. With that in mind, this publication is designed around concepts that can be developed throughout the primary and intermediate grades. Elementary students can begin to…

This issue presents criteria for new approaches to citizenship education in elementary schools. New approaches are illustrated with examples from Citizenship Decision-Making: Instructional Materials for Grades 4,5,6 developed at the Mershon Center of Ohio State University. This newsletter is published by the Division of Educational Affairs,…

The contradictions of political education in East European socialist countries based on the Hungarian experience are explored in this paper. Divided into three parts, the first part gives a brief sketch of institutionalized political education, while the second concerns the crisis of Hungary's political education emerging in the 1980s. In the…

To preserve and protect the civic values and principles of the Constitution, educators must develop in students a deeper understanding of and a commitment to these values. To do this, educators should confront students with cases in history and current events involving fundamental paradoxes of U.S. constitutional government. Students should be…

This article discusses ways in which secondary and college teachers can use the Vanderbilt Television News Archive. The archive contains videotapes of the ABC, CBS, and NBC evening network news since 1968, Presidential addresses and network commentary since 1970, and other news events. Research projects using closed-circuit television are…

Major conceptual concerns guiding contemporary political socialization research with children and adolescents are: content of value orientations; nature of the political learning process; sources or agents from which the young acquire their orientations; the acquisition of political and non-political values/skills; impingement of non-political…

The view that poverty and riches are caused by two distinct personality traits is perpetuated through educational materials. Examples drawn from secondary social studies texts and adult education programs in India illustrate how an educational system is a medium of cultural dissemination and political control. (AM)

Examines how the section on values in the 1981 "California History/Social Science Framework" points the way and direction for educating students to become good citizens. The author discusses 10 basic ideas or value-oriented claims that he thinks could be used as an intellectual framework to guide the designing of civic education…

Discusses the new emphasis of the section on values in the 1981 "California History/Social Science Framework." The development of a personal value system and the study, understanding, and appreciation of the values of others is seen as the basis of American citizenship. (AM)

Points out ways in which concepts from the discipline of political science can be useful in teaching American government and history. Emphasis is placed on helping students understand basic political action choices and decision-making strategies through group work in the social studies classroom. (DB)

Maintaining that social studies classes should teach students to participate and acquire a feeling of political efficacy, the article suggests ways of introducing social participation into the formal curriculum. Ways of using students groups to promote participation are outlined. (DB)

Reviews the constraints on implementing an issue-centered approach to social studies education and argues that schools play an important role in socializing students into society. Concludes that advocates of new theories of social studies education must take into account the realities of contemporary school and society. (SLM)

Critically examines the political socialization research over the past 30 years as to method, sample, size, and results. Reassesses studies that have been most cited and those that have been ignored. Raises questions about political socialization that have not been addressed or have been inadequately addressed. (KO)

Discusses social studies' evolution as a discipline from its 1890s origins through the twentieth century. Examines the objectives of historians, sociologists, and "super patriots" (proponents of the Americanism movement) in advancing citizenship training. Concludes that the failure to achieve some of the original goals of social studies…