Asserts that education cannot be limited to the confines of a textbook but must be a true window to the world. Argues that this can be achieved through curriculum and thematic teaching. Provides suggestions for designing and teaching integrated, thematic units. (CFR)

Agrees with the National Standards emphasis on the constructivist approach, stressing students applying their knowledge through active involvement. Reiterates the value of workshops and seminars in keeping teachers abreast of developments. Proposes publicizing successful strategies and supporting innovations. (MJP)

Presents abstracts of 10 documents, selected and reviewed from the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) that deal with the debate over how to teach history. Includes information for accessing or ordering documents. (NL)

Describes feminist activism in a California high school that led to a sexual harassment policy. Discusses the role of the teacher, the legacy of previous feminist activity in the school, and the issue of men's studies. Concludes that both women's studies and men's studies class are steps toward dignity through diversity. (CFR)

Describes the use of the Educational Telecommunications Network to provide inservice teachers with staff development opportunities in history instruction using distance learning concepts. Discusses the role of a site facilitator who uses field support materials provided by the Network. (CFR)

Contends that the typical classroom environment is one in which the teacher has full ownership of the curriculum, the rules, student assessment, and other classroom attributes. Recommends student involvement in choosing appropriate curriculum and assessment approaches. (CFR)

Describes the History and Technology Project (HAT) at a model technology school. Offers suggestions of suitable hardware and software, and ideas for funding. Emphasizes the goal of integrating technology into all levels of history and social science. Calls for increasing teacher-student interaction and restructuring teaching methods to reach all…

Examines eight factors affecting change in the California social studies curriculum. Considers Limited-English-Proficient students, uninterested students, teacher standards, teacher recruitment, support of teachers, the 1988 History-Social Science Framework, textbook adoption, and the California Assessment Program. Argues that a proactive…

Describes the conflict between the California Framework for History-Social Education and interdisciplinary citizenship education. Discusses exemplary teachers, diversity in schools, privatization, and the role of public education. Contends that, although teaching can be considered noble and unselfish, it is above all a political act. (CFR)

Contends that social studies textbooks remain a basic source of information for students and they ascribe to texts the values of objectivity and truth. Concludes that, in spite of improvements in recent years, six major concerns about gender-related issues remain. (CFR)

Considers the controversy over national education standards and evaluates their potential in the classroom. Specifically, looks at staff development and the goals of school administrators in the light of the recent National Standards in Civics and Government. Postulates that classrooms can become living laboratories for American democracy. (MJP)

Endorses the National Standards for specifying what students should know and be able to do, as well as providing guidelines for demonstrating competency. Stresses that supervisors and teachers, working together and using the standards, can provide a consistent and sequential learning environment. (MJP)

Contends that teachers as well as students function in a gender-biased environment. Asserts that the history and social studies curriculum regularly is taught in a patriarchal manner and that this denial of the past is harmful to young women and men. Questions whether or not a scholarly backlash against women has begun. (CFR)