Discusses the U.S. Constitution's endurance throughout the years and states that it must be taught so that all citizens will know the value of their participation in a democratic society. Advocates a "Celebration of the Constitution," teaching it with the respect and vigor it deserves on its 200th birthday. (GEA)

Central to effective citizen participation is the application of group skills to the accomplishment of common goals. Sequential stages in the development of group skills are discussed, and diagnostic questions for assessing skill development are presented. (RM)

Provides a review of Mortimer J. Adler's 1987 book, WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS. States that Adler's book offers a useful "behind the pages" look at constitutional ideas and provides material for exciting lesson plans and fascinating class discussions. (JDH)

Tips for making civics courses interesting include: (1) communicate course goals to students; (2) ensure that what you are teaching is worthwhile; (3) assess what students already know; (4) organize facts around a few big ideas; (5) vary learning activities; and (6) present a balanced view of government's activities. (RM)

Argues that in addition to citizenship education, social studies should have as one of its goals the development of affective, intuitive, and creative processes in students. (RM)

Presents findings of a survey concerned with the civic education preparation of future teachers. Concludes that a large percentage of students in teaching credential programs have insufficient knowledge of subject matter connected with civic education and Constitutionalism. Includes data charts, a sample survey, and suggested actions to remedy the…

Written by a former teacher of the House of Representative Page School, this article provides a brief history and overview of the Page Program offered by the U.S. House of Representatives. Includes requirements for becoming a page and information on how to apply for the program. (JDH)

Teaching responsible citizenship is a constant and on-going theme in the grade-level settings of the 1981 "History/Social Science Framework for California Public Schools." The topics of government courses at each grade level, 1-12, as proposed by the Framework are discussed. (RM)

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)

Outlines a lesson in which students learn how the constitutional protection of religious freedom has been applied to the Amish. Includes readings from which students can analyze three seemingly contradictory decisions related to the Amish and attempt to understand judicial interpretation. Asks students to apply the concept of judicial…

Defines citizenship and citizenship education, stresses the importance of citizenship education in the social studies classroom, and presents checklists of citizenship competencies and assessment criteria. (DB)

Reviews the efforts to improve K-12 geography instruction in the past 2 decades. Identifies current projects and their characteristics. Asserts that geographic literacy is even more necessary in a economically and socially interdependent world. (CFR)

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)

Outlines the goals of a secondary social studies course for six categories: basic skills; citizenship; leisure time and stimulation; work, careers, or employment; knowledge and creativity; and understanding self and working with others. (RM)

Views cooperative learning methods as tools which have the potential for ensuring maximum success for students and instilling democratic values. Identifies four formal methods for structuring cooperative learning activities. Points out that development of appropriate tasks along with preparation of students for group work and role playing are…