This interdisciplinary American studies curriculum guide for grades 7 through 12 provides a people-oriented approach to American history. Intended to give a sense of history to motivated and nonmotivated students, the guide describes six units which can be used singly as minicourses or together as an in-depth course on American life. Each unit…

The need to involve the whole American society in education is stressed in this monograph. Education in the United States has a history of constantly attempting to accommodate the circumstances and demands of the New World. Although American education owes much to the Old World systems in areas of curriculum and stages of education, it exhibited…

This report summarizes results from the 1994 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), specifically those results concerning geography and U. S. history. The 1994 NAEP asked 4th-, 8th-, and 12th-grade students a series of questions designed to assess their knowledge level and skills applications in specific subjects. This report provides…

This report provides empirical proof of a disturbing trend in higher education. Over the last several decades colleges and universities have substituted so-called "distribution requirements" for a solid core curriculum. Distribution requirements enable students freely to choose their general education courses, the courses outside their…

In most States of the Union campaigns more or less systematic have been conducted within the last few years for the improvement and more adequate support of the public schools. The campaigns in the Southern States have been remarkable for their intensity and continuity, as well as for the comprehensiveness of their purpose and the importance of…

This volume is the result of personal observation and investigation. During the latter part of 1911 and the first part of 1912 the author traveled in almost all the countries of Latin America, studying the institutions of higher and special education. The author visited practically all the universities and a great many normal, commercial,…

One of the greatest needs of our country is good public roads. The reason we do not have them wherever needed is not primarily because of the cost of building them, for in the last quarter of the century we have spent more money for other things not half as valuable or half as much needed than would be required to pay for the building of good…

The National Youth Administration (NYA) was established within the Works Progress Administration in 1935 to provide work training for unemployed youth and part-time employment for needy students. It was transferred to the Federal Security Agency in 1939, and subsequently to the War Manpower Commission in 1942. As war clouds began to hover over the…

Common myths and misconceptions about Blacks in American history and evidence that refutes them are presented. Issues addressed include Black enslavement patterns, social status within the Black community based on skin color, the legality of slaves learning to read, resistance to slavery, African influences in modern Black culture, Black names and…

Presents a lesson plan that investigates social aspects of the land and soil and how people use these resources. Following an introduction by the teacher on land and soil use, students answer related questions on handouts. Later handouts direct the students to group research projects and class presentations. (MJP)

Reports on a middle school project that created a living history environment focused on the Civil War. For three months the students "became" students at the Hopewell Conservatory in Virginia during the 1860s. They corresponded with Civil War soldiers and immersed themselves in the culture of the period. (MJP)

Briefly reviews a number of fiction and documentary films and videos dealing with labor history. Considers ways these can be integrated into classroom instruction. Includes an annotated bibliography of related books and articles. Takes a quick look at Hollywood films such as "On the Waterfront" and "The Molly McGuires." (MJP)

Presents a high school lesson on Hitler's death camps and the widespread policy of brutality and oppression against European Jews. Includes student objectives, instructional procedures, and a chart listing the value of used clothing taken from the Jews. (CFR)

Maintains that, although 18th-Century historians understand the significance of environmental influences, the concept of environmental history did not emerge until the mid-1900s. Discusses the influence of Earth Day, Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring," and the landing of humans on the moon. (CFR)

Asserts that, in many schools, educators have made great strides in responding to ethnic diversity and gender issues. Argues that two other aspects of diversity--sexual orientation and religious differences--are often ignored. Discusses curriculum design, school policy development, and teaching methods related to these topics. (CFR)