This document contains two sets of lessons designed to teach elementary and secondary students about apartheid in South Africa. The goals of the lessons are: (1) to create a greater awareness of recent events related to the practice of apartheid by the South African government; (2) to provide a greater understanding of the effects of apartheid on…

The options available to state education agencies (SEA's) facing decisions concerning the regulation of controversial course content are discussed in this paper, which uses the issue of whether or not to mandate the teaching of creationism as an example. The author first clarifies the issues in the debate over teaching creationism, touching on the…

Discusses the positive and negative aspects of Federal involvement in curriculum development. Concludes that Federal involvement can make positive contributions toward critical thinking and knowledge and should be encouraged. (Author/DB)

Defines Law-Related Education and describes its goals: citizenship and ethics education, delinquency prevention, teaching survival, and critical thinking skills. Justifies Law-Related Education's place in the social studies curriculum. (CH)

A survey of over 300 colleges and universities indicates that multicultural education is on the ascendancy. Educational issues are raised concerning the application of multicultural education principles on college campuses. These include philosophical issues, curricular issues, faculty issues, pedagogical issues, and the curriculum development…

A study examined curriculum decision-making in the classrooms of accomplished teachers of English in grades 9 through 12, focusing on aspects of structure, content, and ways of knowing and doing that combined to create a sense of a "curriculum" rather than a series of disconnected lessons. Four classrooms were studied each semester for…

This guide is designed for K-12 teachers, administrators, and local curriculum committees to help them clarify the purposes of social studies and use constructive strategies for instructional improvement. It is based on the ideas that social studies is basic to the education of citizens and that social studies curricula ought to be determined…

Discusses the propriety of Federal government involvement in curriculum development. Concludes that control of education, including curriculum development, should rest at the local level. (Author/DB)

Problems related to multicultural education programs are cited. A model of ambivalent social exchange is presented that: (1) uses components of cultural pluralism while avoiding separatism; and (2) enhances understanding of culture, as represented by various social groups, so that individuals can choose values which allow personal fulfillment. (PP)

Reviews the history of social studies as an integrated, issue-centered field of study from its inception within the progressive movement to the present. Summarizes major curricular development projects within the issues-centered orientation and speculates on the decline of the problems approach in social studies education. (SLM)

Offers a perspective on the challenge teachers face with the question of religion's role in the public schools. Discusses seven guidelines for curricular decision making. Cautions against seeking absolute solutions to the questions that will continue to surround the religious liberty provisions of the First Amendment. (DB)

The need for a citizenry capable of comprehending and tackling contemporary issues related to science and technology demands science education experiences that are fundamentally different from traditional experiences in school science. Argues that high school biology experiences organized around contemporary bioethical issues can meet this need.…

Given the lack of interest among college and high school students and the declining rates of participation in political affairs, the concept of political specialization has significant implications for teaching political science. Research reveals that almost 90 percent of high school students who do not plan to attend college are either completely…

Discusses a course proposal which concentrates on fewer topics and covering the topics in greater depth. Proposes a sequence in which each topic is introduced phenomenologically, the theory is developed, and the applications are discussed. Uses optics as an example. Lists some disadvantages and advantages of the proposed topical organization. (YP)

In 1983, elementary and secondary teachers in West Germany were surveyed concerning the treatment of social themes in school curricula. As in a similar survey conducted in the United States, West German respondents indicated that every theme surveyed was important, with nuclear disarmament and environmental pollution clearly considered the most…