How can the Common Core complement and not conflict with school improvement efforts already at work across the United States? How can it be seamlessly integrated into accountability systems, teacher preparation and development, charter schools, and educational technology? This timely volume brings together prominent scholars and policy analysts to…

Defines sex equity in terms of the social studies and suggests ways to integrate it into the 1981 "California History/Social Science Framework." Included are key questions for teachers to consider about sex equity and social studies and a bibliography of classroom materials and reference books on sex equity. (AM)

Discusses the importance of social studies in the social development of young children. Describes a method of give priority to social studies goals. Notes learning activities related to five strategies for priority implementation: sharing, discussion of social values in reading materials, creating problems and problem solutions, acting out, and…

The author, who over the years has taken many students abroad on study tours, shares some conclusions that he has reached. His thoughts, which include many practical tips on how to organize foreign travel, should be helpful to educators planning on undertaking such a venture. (RM)

Basic characteristics of the more influential curriculum development models in social studies are discussed. For a curriculum development model to be effective, it must provide for extensive teacher involvement. The most successful school practices are those that are school-based and collaborative. (RM)

Considers the role of economics education within the 1981 "California History/Social Science Framework." Economics education provides a unique perspective on social issues and extensive opportunities for students to exercise critical thinking skills. To help teachers integrate economics information into curricula, a list of California…

Designed to assist organizations preparing to celebrate the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution through community and school events, this guide provides educational ideas that can be useful in directing the public's attention to the Constitution and the values it represents. Information is included on selecting forum formats, such as mock…

The Milwaukee (Wisconsin) public school system is the first public school system in the United States to offer a peace studies program to all elementary and secondary students. The program, including the planning and development process, is described. (RM)

Described is how a Wyoming school district developed a program that offers fourth-graders, engaged in local community studies, first-hand experience in their heritage. An exposition that featured exhibits and stations depicting contemporary and historic social and economic practices was developed. (RM)

Reprints a series of "how-to" guidelines concerning service learning from the Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago (CFRC). Includes a working definition of service learning, a five-step process for projects, and specific goals to be reached at each stage of the project. (MJP)

Checklists cover six important dimensions of computer use in social studies: (1) what a computer can do to achieve educational goals, (2) planning for implementation, (3) major modes of computer uses in education, (4) important qualities, (5) technical features of good educational computer programs, and (6) checking out software. (RM)

This journal issue addresses the topic of mastery learning at both the elementary and secondary school levels. The first article, "The Theory and Practice of Mastery Learning" (Guskey), gives a definition of and information about the development, operation, and application of mastery learning, based on the theories of Benjamin Bloom. In…

Discusses some of the cultural and logistical challenges faced by service learning projects. Theses challenges include a predisposition toward individualism over collective action, lack of time and emphasis on traditional learning. Provides strategies and approaches for overcoming these challenges. Includes a sample questionnaire for parents and…

Discusses a method of finding and implementing articles from among the sizeable amount of professional literature regarding cooperative learning. Describes the application of three teaching models (1) jigsaw, (2) group investigation, and (3) cybernetics that apply cooperative learning to elementary and secondary social studies instruction. (SG)

Reviews the Using World Issues in the News (U-WIN) program developed for a six-county area in Indiana served by the "Indianapolis News" newspaper. Explains and evaluates program implementation: articles on world issues published in the newspaper for classroom use; lesson packets; workshops; site visits; and presentations. Concludes the…