In January 2007, the Oregon State Board of Education mandated a new Oregon diploma that strengthened high school graduation requirements with the aim of improving student readiness for college and career. Among the major changes was a requirement that students demonstrate proficiency in nine "essential skills" that included the…

Considers the role anthropology can play in addressing multicultural issues in education. Maintains that through the study of various cultures students can build respect and value for diversity, understand that human behavior is influenced by culture, and create an understanding of the similarity of human experiences and concerns. (MJP)

Provides an overview of the evolution of archaeology as a discipline, citing its special strengths and the approaches used to study past cultures. Gives special attention to the problems of preservation and to understanding the value of the physical remains of the past. (MJP)

Presents a transcript of an interview with the director of an oral history project and with one high school student involved in the project. Focuses on how the project was conceived, negotiated, and produced within the constraints of a public school. (Author/AV)

Suggests that reading be taught through the social studies and by the experience approach on the elementary school level. An activity is described in which a short story, "Ann's Special Family," provides the focus for developing vocabulary and bringing real-life experiences into focus. (DB)

Tells about the creation of the High School Geography Project. Beginning with a statement of problems faced by geography instructors, the story continues by examining the creation of project objectives, development of an overarching structure for lessons, and discussion of the project's success. Suggestions for contemporary curriculum design are…

Reviews various definitions of citizenship education and offers a state of the art review of citizenship education programs in the United States. Information is presented on goals and implications, citizenship assessment, and basic skills which are essential to citizenship education. Describes an activity in which students learn to become…

History teachers on the secondary level are often so boxed in by heavy schedules and standard curricula that they have little time or incentive to use outside resources. In the light of these concerns, the Education Department at the Hershey Museum initiated The Progressive Industry and Its Legacy project. This article describes the project, which…

Many recently-developed ethnic studies programs in public schools and colleges lack clear objectives. Also, they offer guidelines which do not reflect current research and learning theory. Reviews theories of acculturation and ethnic cultural components in terms of their relevance to program content and goals. (Author/AV)

Suggests that the Judeo-Arabic heritage might play a potential role in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Proposes a course of instruction that can be used at the secondary and college levels and is designed to aid teachers in learning and teaching about Judeo-Arabic heritage. Contends that students benefit from analyzing complex historical issues.…

Objectives and content of an interdisciplinary social studies-art program for elementary children are discussed. A sample lesson and evaluation activities from a successfully implemented pilot program are provided. (RM)

Described is how a Wyoming school district developed a program that offers fourth-graders, engaged in local community studies, first-hand experience in their heritage. An exposition that featured exhibits and stations depicting contemporary and historic social and economic practices was developed. (RM)

Argues that school service programs involving students in volunteer community efforts should be included in democratic citizenship education. Suggests that encouraging cooperation through volunteer service combats corrosive and anti-democratic effects of excessive individualism. Lists six characteristics of effective programs, compiled by…