The 1992 quincentenary marking the 500th anniversary of the Columbus voyage to the present-day Americas provides an opportunity for teachers to employ materials and methods that reflect inclusive educational principles. Inclusive education involves helping students and staff to gain an understanding and appreciation of all groups present in the…

The various aspects of an advanced placement seminar in the history of Europe are presented. Descriptions of the high school that offers the seminar, their admissions policy, and seminar coordination are included. Thirty-six unit topics, organized in the form of a calendar of lessons and assignments also are listed, as are a number of sample essay…

A framework for curriculum design and a set of guidelines for curriculum development in gifted education are presented. The major dimensions guiding curriculum development for gifted students are: content, process, product, and learning environment. Curriculum content should be developed in such a way that it becomes more abstract, complex,…

Since 1980, an increasing number of state and local education agencies have reintroduced a world history requirement into their secondary curricula. This ERIC Digest examines five key questions related to that trend. Questions raised, together with some salient points made in the discussion of each, are as follows: (1) What is the background to…

Recommends four strategies to reduce problems in developing history curricula: (1) segment U.S. and world history into era-limited courses across the grades; (2) focus on vital episodes, ideas, and personalities; (3) collaborate with colleagues across grades to address common key questions; and (4) stress matters important for civic and personal…

Describes a university course on France from 1789 to 1944, a component of the "civilization track" major. Problem- and controversy-oriented, the course follows a chronological order and is divided into 13 units. Course materials include primary texts, slides and tapes, political songs, historically significant documents. (AMH)

Discusses resources that can be used in an Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. history course, including a series of textbooks, supplemental readings, projects, Document-Based Questions and essays from earlier AP examinations, Internet and multimedia resources, and students and their families. (CMK)

The Bradley Commission on History in Schools was created in 1987 in response to concern over the inadequacy of the history taught in U.S. elementary and secondary classrooms. This history curriculum guideline was designed by the Bradley Commission to aid those responsible for making curricula related decisions to realize the manifest importance of…

Drawing on contemporary research literature, recently developed curriculum guides, and blue-ribbon reports, this digest reviews 10 contemporary trends in K-12 social studies in the United States. Trends are as follows: (1) History, history, and more history; (2) More geography, too; (3) Using literature to teach social studies; (4) Focus on the…

This paper discusses a project that was designed to explore Dutch student attitudes about World War II and how the War is portrayed in Dutch history textbooks. The project was undertaken as part of an effort to help teachers provide Dutch students with better insight into the causes, background, and aftermath of World War II; and to develop in the…

These two issues of "Virginia Resolves" provide articles of interest to the social studies reader and provides ideas for social studies instruction and curriculum. The fall issue features seven articles: (1) "Death and the Young Child" (Rosanne J. Marek); (2) "Simulations: Bibliography for the Middle and Elementary…

The social studies curriculum recently has been subjected to many changes. New curriculum patterns coupled with more effective instructional strategies have altered significantly subject content and teaching methods. Drawing from contemporary research literature, newly developed curriculum guides, and blue-ribbon reports from content specialists…

A new method and curriculum for teaching Canadian history to non-English-speaking secondary school students is suggested. Eight chronological units of Canadian history provide the basic structure from which themes and concepts are developed. Techniques for implementing the curriculum incorporating language study are suggested. (PMJ)

Describes the social studies program at Walker Junior High School (La Palma, CA). Uses student research and role playing to make areas of history, geography, and government more meaningful. Includes colonial period, slavery, medieval life, and city government. Suggests themes, methods, and telecommunication and computer use. Reports that the…