This handbook is designed to provide basic background information on the social studies curriculum, as well as current information on publications, standards, and special materials for K-12 social studies. The introduction provides an overview of the ideologies and philosophies that have affected U.S. curriculum through the years. The volume is divided into three parts including curriculum development in the subject, curriculum guides and supplementary materials, and textbooks, classroom materials, and other resources. Chapter 1 provides an overview of trends and issues in social studies curriculum. Chapter 2 is a step-by-step description of curriculum process and design. Chapter 3 lists funding programs that are studying or developing curriculum. Along with addresses and phone numbers, the names of contact persons are provided wherever possible. Chapter 4 provides an overview and outline of important topics in K-12 social studies. Chapter 5 describes the curriculum materials and includes the similarities among states and within regions, plus differences and gaps in coverage. Chapter 6 supplements the previous chapter by listing addresses of state departments of education and publication titles. Chapter 7 is an annotated list of recommended curriculum guides for social studies. Chapter 8 reprints sections of two social studies guides to use as examples. Chapter 9 is a source list for special projects. Chapter 10 gives information on children's trade books. Chapter 11 is an annotated list of curriculum material producers and textbook publishers. Chapter 12 describes statewide text adoption. Chapter 13 is an index to reviews of textbooks. Chapter 14 provides a list of the publishers. (DK)