The absence of social studies curriculum is a problem because it undermines the essential purposes of schooling: to prepare participatory, contributing members of a democratic society. In this article, we argue that integrating the literacy and social studies curricula is one meaningful way to support such civic-minded social studies instruction…

Despite 9/11, the seemingly endless Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the possibility of Iran developing nuclear weapons capabilities, and the Arab Spring and its aftermath, the social studies curricula of high schools throughout the nation generally put little emphasis on the Middle East and Islam as the foundation for understanding vital issues that…

Recent studies advocate careful selection of local historic sites and recommend collaboration between stakeholders to create meaningful learning experiences for students. The author describes the efforts of a historical society, a university professor, and a local school district to develop an integrative field trip to a one-room schoolhouse.…

This study sought to determine to what extent seasoned educators' perceived confidence, competence, and resultant content-specific self-efficacy could be altered as a result of three different workshops geared toward the use of technology in social studies classrooms. Through analyses of pre- and post-test surveys, results indicated that…

Presents study results of the effects of studying social studies in the lower grades on high school students' performance in government classes. Explains that the relationship between social studies and government was examined and the adequacy of social studies as preparation for studying government. Concludes that achievement in social studies…

In this article, the author takes a critical look at current assessment practices in social studies education, especially those at the state level. He defines some key assessment terms, then considers the major issues of statewide assessment, focusing on the reliability and validity of the means by which government agencies across the United…

This article describes the Youth Enterprise Academy (YEA), a program developed at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Center for Economic Education through the partnership for a private foundation, the state government, a private not-for-profit organization, and the local public schools. The YEA is designed to improve the financial and economic…

Discusses the importance of assessing instructional programs by looking objectively at the interrelated factors of student performance, teacher performance, and program effectiveness to determine their relationship to the achievement of goals. Suggests methods that teachers can use to assess whether social studies activities and materials have…

Criticizes the National History Standards for attempting to cover too much material and burdening teachers with unrealistic objectives and expectations. Recommends a closer coordination of educational objectives with historical material in an attempt to clarify the standards and make them more effective. (MJP)

Efforts to improve social studies at the elementary level have not fared well in recent years. Federal demands for greater emphasis on mathematics and reading instruction have had a direct impact on social studies instruction--eroding elementary teachers' time and energy for the subject. In spite of this changing context, many states still test…

Examines the origins and conceptualization of the social studies movement in Africa, and describes the practice of social studies and its current status. Concludes that although social studies has some unique problems due to the nature of the subject matter, it is more relevant to the lives of African children than traditional curricula. (LS)