Implementing curriculum standards in high school social studies education often challenges educators in shaping their instructional decisions and students' learning experiences. North Carolina social studies educators have faced challenges in balancing the requirements of curriculum standards with the need to teach sensitive topics such as race,…

Asserts that a goal of social studies instruction is to help students make decisions about complicated social issues and that this goal is best accomplished through development of postformal cognitive processes. Defines postformal thought and examines two types: relativistic and dialectical. Shows how postformal thought can be promoted through two…

Contends that pluralistic democracy relies on conflict of ideas and participative decision making. Reports on case studies of two different approaches to teaching world studies. Finds that both approaches encouraged students to participate actively, but others remained silent during the discussion. (CFR)

Developed through a broad-based national consensus building process, the National History Standards project has involved working toward agreement both on the larger purposes of history in the school curriculum and on the more specific history understandings and thinking processes that all students should have equal opportunity to acquire over 12…

Developed through a broad based national consensus building process, the National History Standards project has involved working toward agreement both on the larger purposes of history in the school curriculum and on the more specific history understandings and thinking processes that all students should have equal opportunity to acquire over 12…

Meant to be used by school district administrators and teachers, this syllabus for New York State schools includes the chapters: (1) "Introduction: How To Use the Social Studies Syllabus, 7-12"; (2) "Goals of the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education in New York State"; (3) "Overall Goals of the Social Studies Program, 7-12"; (4)…

Outlines a method for modifying the current social studies curriculum so it can be taught from an issue-centered approach. States that conventional courses in history and geography would be organized around the study of a select number of important issues and illustrates the way these classes would be taught using this approach. (SLM)

Developed through a broad-based national consensus building process, the national history standards project has involved working toward agreement both on the larger purposes of history in the school curriculum and on the more specific history understandings and thinking processes all students should have equal opportunity to acquire over 12 years…

Presents results of a study of school administrators to determine support for the responsibility of social studies teachers to deal with controversial issues. Examines the influence of administrators on teacher decisions. Concludes that expressed support for dealing with controversial issues and critical thinking may appear more substantive than…

Describes the rationale, instructional objectives, and instructional procedures of the National Issues Forum program for secondary social studies. Asserts that the program's content and learning strategies develop and improve student's decision-making skills and knowledge of significant contemporary issues. Contends that business and corporate…

Change in the way social issues are addressed depends on our recognizing the value of using issues to improve thinking and decision-making skills and to develop historicalmindedness and a global perspective rather than learning the content of particular topics or the "right" answer about an issue. (Author/DCS)

As the oceans rose due to melting glaciers, the Chesapeake Bay became a crowned valley. The Bay is a biologically rich system in which the success of each species depends on the quality of water in the parts of the Bay used during its life history. With the increase in human population, technological developments associated with industrial…

Argues for an increased emphasis on global education in the elementary school curriculum. Contends that cooperative learning and decision-making skills are essential strategies for effective international education. Provides suggestions for development and implementation. (CFR)

Posits that schools must help students evaluate their culture and seek social change where warranted. Analyzes features of rationality in the mandate that schools provide students with tools for reasoned, logical, and unpartisan social criticism. Suggests that radical theorists have not clearly proposed to schools rational structures for…

Asserts that science and society are becoming increasingly dependent upon each other. Maintains that the social studies classroom provides an excellent opportunity to present science that is easily understood and relevant to students' lives. Presents six ideas for incorporating science into the existing social studies curriculum. (CFR)