High school social studies teachers are always struggling to "cover the content" while addressing an ever-expanding set of additional demands. The Common Core expects literacy instruction to be incorporated into social studies. NCSS's new C3 Framework emphasizes teaching students to ask questions, evaluate sources, and communicate…

This article describes a lesson in which students will examine several views expressed by the founders to understand the context for including freedom of the press in the First Amendment. Students will be asked to think about the role that the news media and the need to be an informed citizen continue to play in our democracy. Students will…

Teaching about China can often be difficult because Chinese culture is very different from the culture of most American students. Students in social studies classes can find it hard to relate to such a distant and unfamiliar country. As China becomes a more and more integral part of the social studies curriculum, teachers must find effective…

In November of 2001, less than two months after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Nebraska's state board of education approved a patriotism bill specifying content for the high school social studies curriculum in accordance with the state's 1949 statute--the Nebraska Americanism law. Nebraska was not alone. Within a few months, more…

Enrollment and course characteristics, as well as instructional materials and methods, are reported for psychology courses now offered at the high school level. (KM)

Analyzes how the testing and evaluation of social studies students can contribute to the development of participatory citizenship. Suggests that testing and other kinds of evaluation can help teachers weigh the appropriateness and effectiveness of the social studies curriculum. Includes recommendations for evaluation instruments, student…

State standards for minimum competencies deal mainly with reading, writing, and mathematics. Testing is primarily a state function. Many programs include identification of students who need remedial assistance. (Author/AV)

Two high school students recommend a civics study program which would include (1) a required course on governmental structure, responsibilities, and the U.S. Constitution, and (2) elective courses on crime, juvenile delinquency, state and local government, and history of constitutional law. (AV)

Describes an activity in which students examine the value content of news presentations. Explains that after classroom brainstorming, students watch news broadcasts and answer values-related questions. Suggests references for teachers on the sources of U.S. values. (SG)

Reviews the status of competency-based high school graduation requirements in Oregon, Minnesota, and Alaska; explores problems of testing certain competencies; and presents a directory of 10 competency-based programs. (AV)

Discusses instances of departure from the rights guaranteed to U.S. citizens by the Bill of Rights. Describes the internment of Japanese-Americans during the Second World War and other incidents in which the government denied individual rights. Details teaching activities intended to increase student understanding of such events. Proposes student…

Questions why the U.S. social studies model is no longer relevant to Japanese education. Interviews Japanese social studies teachers in junior high schools. Reports that curriculum and instruction are shaped by the high school entrance examination. Concludes that the U.S. model does not fit the Japanese stratified society. (DB)

Discusses the use of multimedia for teaching human rights in Nigerian schools. Describes the curriculum as almost completely monocultural. Argues that human rights education must be approached within traditional interests and based on what people already know. Urges the demystification of rights. Warns that human rights reflect a Eurocentric…

Argues that the definition of social studies approved by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) may do more harm than good to the Organization. Contends that history and geography groups now control the educational reform effort in social studies and that NCSS will have a difficult time regaining the initiative. (CFR)

Asserts that global education has two interrelated dimensions: (1) a substantive, or knowledge of the world and how it works; and (2) a perceptual, or an orientation or world view. Contends that global education can provide a powerful focus for improving educational quality and help students cope with emerging global realities. (CFR)