The authors argue that deliberation should be an integral part of secondary civics classrooms and teacher education programs. Drawing on a wide range of research, they contend that teaching and learning deliberative skills has the potential to build individual and group civic capacity. They share some of the results of an evaluation of one…

Applying a consistent historical theme throughout a social studies course is an effective long-term planning strategy that can promote student engagement, retention of information, and contextualized knowledge of history's continuity and change. This article demonstrates how one such theme, power and liberty, might be incorporated into a secondary…

Given the current national debate over immigration reform and the plethora of anti-immigrant policies, practices, and laws, school curriculums should include materials that will allow students to learn about, and reflect on, the impact this debate has on the lived realities of those most impacted. Specifically, teachers and their students will…

Explains how philosophical thinking can be integrated into the teaching of reading and writing. Resulting skills in critical reading and critical writing will enable students to act intelligently within a social context. (Author/AV)

A survey of San Francisco area high schools indicated that students perceived social studies courses to be less important to their occupational future and personal growth than math and English courses. (DE)

Profiles the career and contributions of educator and historian Lucy Maynard Salmon. Salmon's work on uniform standards for college admission became the basis of the College Entrance Examination. She developed a curriculum for elementary school history instruction that incorporated classical literature, folk tales, and biographies. (MJP)

This articles relates the experience in indtroducing a new approach to high school psychology in heterogeneously grouped classes of juniors and seniors at Doherty Memorial High School, Worcester, Massachusetts. (Author)

Discusses the revision of the curriculum for college-bound students. States three apparent needs: conceptual knowledge, note- and test-taking skills, and critical thinking skills. Provides suggestions for developing these areas, devoting much attention to critical thinking. (GEA)

Described is a curriculum development effort in U.S. history--the "Reasoning with Democratic Values" series--aimed at stimulating higher-order thinking. Features of cognitive developmental psychology and of the new social studies materials are used in the lessons that ask students to examine and discuss ethical controversies. (RM)

A case study analysis system is provided which can increase student analytical skills while focusing on social conflict situations. The analysis system is a systematic means of identifying, classifying, and clarifying factors found in social conflict situations providing insights into forces that change social structures. (Author/JR)

Examines the connection between the U.S. Constitution and economics and provides numerous examples of constitutional clauses and court cases which illustrate this point. Argues that constitutional provisions, such as the taxing and spending clause, have a substantial impact on national economics and that this impact should be presented in the…

Explains how all secondary school subject matter can be learned and taught philosophically. Reviews basic components of a philosophical lesson (truth, values, faith, logic) and describes a classroom activity based on a reading from a Berthold Brecht play. (Author/AV)

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)

Argues that the economic implications of the U.S. Constitution should not be overlooked. Suggests four areas of study and provides a lesson plan for each. Concludes that, in addition to learning the economic ideas of the Constitution, students should recognize the unique values which sustain it. (GEA)

Presents results of a national survey collecting data about the current status of and trends in elective social studies programs in secondary schools. Reports that most schools offer elective programs, usually optional rather than required electives. Concludes that psychology and sociology were the most common electives. Includes tables showing…