Discusses the importance of critical thinking for participation in democratic society and identifies the critical thinking skills tested in the eighth grade California Assessment Program. Provides an extensive appendix detailing a critical thinking skills continuum, a glossary of terms, and classroom strategies. (GEA)

Describes and illustrates the performance differences observed between boys and girls on California's history-social science assessments. Provides specific recommendations about what classroom teachers can do to help reduce these differences. (GEA)