The purpose of this paper is to add to the existing body of research on the American world history curriculum, paying particular attention to the challenges of teaching about a historical era for which new knowledge emerges regularly and old paradigms are being questioned constantly. It does so in four sections. The first section examines research…

United States history classrooms have the potential to simultaneously foster an understanding of students' cultures and experiences today in relation to the nation's history and develop critical thinking and technology literacy. Yet classroom materials and instructors tend to avoid, ignore, or misrepresent controversial topics such as race and…

The author has known Gary Nash as a friend since 1969, but she only began to work with him as a colleague in 1989, when he invited her to join the National Center for History in the Schools (NCHS) as it was just forming. During the seven years she spent as Assistant and then Associate Director of the NCHS, they shared the extraordinary experience…

In this article, the author recalls the time she met Gary Nash at UCLA on July 13, 1992, when they began the work of creating the National Standards in History. Professor Nash was the leader in the development of the United States History Standards. In creating the Standards, they were to focus on Historical Thinking. They needed to organize the…

Delineates why the National Commission for the Social Studies provides an excellent opportunity for improving social studies education. Identifies several issues the Commission must address, including the value of teaching social studies, the content of social studies curriculum, and when and how to teach the social studies. (LS)

Describes a project to help students understand the changing roles of work throughout history. Entitled the "World of Work Project", the program developed curriculum materials based upon the museum collection at Old Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts. (Author/DB)

Presents a mode of formal analysis that identifies different substantive theories about history teaching. The mode rejects as incomplete or incoherent pseudotheories that fail to indicate which needs they are supposed to meet, which knowledge they are supposed to provide, or which authority they are supposed to recognize as legitimate. (RM)

Examines the theoretical and practical implications of utilizing the biographical approach in the history curriculum by pointing out the advantages, examining the art of writing biographies, and discussing two basic methods used in teaching biography. (Author/CK)

Architecture can be a topic in high school community studies. A program in Boulder, Colorado, is described as a case study. Learning activities include walking tours, library and city archive research, and slide shows. Tips for teachers and an annotated bibliography are included. (Author/DB)

Discusses the agenda of the five-year bicentennial celebration of the U.S. Constitution. Emphasizes the importance of teacher planning, education, and enthusiasm to the success of the program. Stresses the need for making students aware of the constitutional legacy of the United States. (GEA)

Explores the idea that human development should be the aim of education through discussion of the philosophies of John Dewey, Jean Piaget, Lawrence Kohlberg, and Alfred North Whitehead. A four stage teaching model that combines subject matter with developmental goals is presented. (Author/DB)

Discusses the Bradley Commission on History in School recommendations as part of the 1980s curriculum reform movement. Examines the problem of too many social science disciplines competing for space within the limited core curriculum. Analyzes several major reports published on social studies curriculum reform. Concludes with further questions…

Discusses the Organization of American Historians (OAH) endorsement of the Bradley Commission on History in Schools recommendations. Identifies a gap in the OAH's support of precollegiate teaching, and urges the OAH to take an active role in improving precollegiate teaching. Considers why the OAH should support the Bradley Commission. Suggests how…

Discusses the development of a world history curriculum for the Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) School District. Describes a program rooted in chronology and geography with interpretive frameworks for comparative study of change in diverse civilizations. Lists reawakening teachers' interest, updating training, and extending resource availability as…

Discusses the Schools History Project implemented in England in 1972. Traces the Project's history and development, and assesses problems that it has encountered. Elaborates on curriculum, curricular change, teaching methods utilized, inservice training of teachers, and the Project's future. Provides a sample syllabus developed by the Project. (RW)