The author looks at some evaluation issues arising out of the use of Man: A Course of Study (MACOS) and proposes formats for the assessment of student learning, the results of which could be used to support the value of MACOS and its place in the school timetable. (SJL)

Reviews some of the characteristics of the New York state social studies testing program and describes how new questions are developed for the test. (JDH)

The present Universal Primary Education Scheme which was launched in Nigeria in 1976 calls for innovation in curriculum development, classroom teaching techniques, and adequate supervision of instructional programs in the schools. The type of education imported to Nigeria under British control reflected the needs of the colonial government.…

Discusses concerns about and reaction to student test scores. Questions the nature of a national test for social studies. Asks whether students can be tested in groups as a means of performance assessment and whether such testing instruments can and should replace traditional testing in social studies. (DK)

A cognitive process approach is applied to this discussion of the nature and relationship of skills, thinking, and social studies knowledge. To make understanding explicit, the paper addresses: (1) the meaning of cognitive skills and their role in thinking; (2) generic versus specific skills; and (3) implications for the National Assessment of…

Social studies assessment for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) should focus on students' oral and written discourse on social topics. Discourse is language produced by the student with the intention of providing a narrative, argument, explanation, or analysis. The assessment of discourse is important because: emphasis on…

The National Council for the Social Studies is concerned with how the social studies teaching profession can enhance learning in history and the social sciences and develop the skills necessary for participatory citizenship. The purpose of this position statement is to demonstrate how testing and evaluating social studies students can contribute…

This paper discusses the content of the social studies tests of the 1981-82 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Selected social studies and citizenship items were administered to 3,200 students aged 9, 13, and 17 and to adults aged 26-35. Twelve sources describing the social studies tests were reviewed, particularly the Citizenship…