By focusing on controversial social/political issues in high school American history and social studies courses, classroom teachers can help students develop critical thinking skills. Contemporary issues of a controversial nature are particularly good topics for high school because students are generally familiar with the issues through exposure to radio, television, newspapers, and conversations with peers, parents, and teachers. Examples of prominent controversial issues are the Allen Bakke case, the proposed Equal Rights Amendment, political patronage related to the David Marston issue of 1976-78, and First Amendment freedoms exercised by the American Nazi Party. For each of these issues, the monograph presents statements of fact and opinion, points of agreement and disagreement, and significant omissions by one side or the other. For each issue, information is presented on objectives, suggestions for classroom treatment, and materials for student use. Student activities include examination of fictional, journalistic, and objective accounts of the issue, class discussion, reading and writing assignments, debate, dramatic presentations, and role playing. This type of teaching-learning approach emphasizes reason and critical thinking rather than emotionalism and helps students distinguish fact from opinion and identify and resolve conflicting viewpoints. It also aids educators as they develop social issues programs with the objective of helping students become involved and informed citizens. (DB)