While the primary focus of the Common Core Learning Standards is in improving literacy and math, elements of Social Studies topics and skills are emphasized. Primary source analysis and understanding multiple perspectives are just two examples. This article is grounded in a qualitative analysis of integrated instruction in two elementary…

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…

This book describes the Maryland Collaborative for Teacher Preparation (MCTP) program which develops and implements interdisciplinary programs for teacher education to develop enthusiastic teachers who continue to be an active learners. Contents include: (1) Foreword (Katherine Denniston); (2) Impact of MCTP on the State of Maryland (Jack Taylor);…

To assist elementary teachers committed to integrating women's studies into social studies, criteria which should be met by juvenile biographies of women are discussed and illustrations from biographies are provided. Examples of what to consider when selecting biographies follow. In a sexist biography, heroines portray sexist attitudes, beliefs,…

This volume contains information on a pilot writing program, involving approximately 900 kindergarten through fifth grade students, designed to test the impact of emphasizing written composition during the language arts instructional period only, as compared to emphasizing composition skills during both language arts and social studies/science…

Surveys of preservice teachers in an elementary music education class examined their attitudes toward using multicultural and interdisciplinary materials and activities involving music, literature, and art. Participants also developed lesson plans introducing different cultures. Results indicated that participants had culturally neutral images and…

The goal of this practicum, which was achieved through staff development instructional programs and follow up experiences over a three month period, was to improve the knowledge of elementary school teachers in how to use curriculum related video. TV/video systems and educational programs were utilized to stimulate the critical thinking process of…

This study describes the 1992-93 Chapter 1 Developer/Demonstration Program, Learning to Read through the Arts (LTRTA), and evaluates the effectiveness of its implementation. The program offers intensive holistic reading and reading-oriented arts instruction to Chapter 1-eligible students, using an interdisciplinary, thematic approach that…

The goals of this practicum in science instruction for first grade students were to increase science instructional time, develop skills-appropriate instructional strategies, formulate relevant assessment methods, and promote positive attitudes. Grade level teachers met on six occasions to pinpoint science instructional deficiencies, formulate…

These student probe cards for grades 4-8 provide a variety of values-oriented activities to help students explore, understand, and appreciate culturally diverse values. Activities are matched to one of seven objectives and are cross-referenced to the subject areas of social science, mathematics, fine arts, drama, physical education, language arts,…

This report is the result of an independent evaluation of a project conducted during the 1990-91 school year with 56 teachers and over 1,800 students from 28 elementary schools in Iowa. The goals of the project were to demonstrate the effectiveness of new technology to improve science and geography instruction at the elementary level; train…

A practicum was designed to develop training that would increase teachers' understanding of an integrated curriculum and how to plan for implementation. Subjects were 23 teachers at a K-5 elementary school. Training was developed to provide a common knowledge base of an integrated curriculum, productive collaboration and planning, and…

This study investigated the effects of a video-based training program on the quantity and quality of family involvement in special education, perceptions of both family members and educators concerning parental competence as team members, and family members' satisfaction with their own involvement, team processes, and decisions made by the team.…