This paper begins with a discussion of Canadian and international work that has identified a number of shortcomings with standardized assessments, which are framed within neoliberal ideology. It then explores the principles of good assessment and applies them to an analysis of British Columbia's standardized Social Studies 11 exam. It finds that…

These curriculum specifications are based on the prescribed content and objectives of the 1981 Alberta (Canada) Social Studies Curriculum for Grade 12. The purposes of these specifications are to: (1) identify specific course content, objectives, and relative weightings that should be considered in evaluating student progress and achievement; and…

Developed for senior high school social studies classes, this Alberta (Canada) curriculum guide provides: (1) a social studies program rationale and philosophy; (2) social studies education's goals and objectives; (3) a general statement of the content and time allotment of required and elective social studies courses; and (4) evaluation…

The purpose of this bulletin is to help teachers prepare students for the Student Achievement Testing Program by highlighting curriculum objectives to be tested. These curriculum specifications are based on the 1981 Alberta (Canada) Social Studies Curriculum. The guide delineates objectives, concepts, and content that are to be tested from three…

This article contains a sample lesson which relates one of the Simon-Kirschenbaum value clarification exercises directly to the content of a Canadian history course at the grade seven level. (Author/RM)

Discusses objectives of "Canada in a North American Perspective," a controversial postsecondary course taught as an Ontario Academic Credit course. Argues examination of Canada's perspective and history as a North American nation can benefit from comparison to the United States. Suggests this continentalist approach need not diminish…

This bulletin provides general information about the achievement testing program and a description of the grade three achievement test. The general information section elaborates on the aspects of the test which involve: (1) the test's purpose; (2) the nature of the test; (3) exemptions from the test; and (4) information concerning students…

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide information to teachers and students about the 1988 Social Studies 30 Diploma Examination. The bulletin includes: (1) a description of the examination; (2) an outline of the objectives to be tested; (3) charts illustrating both the multiple-choice and written-response sections of the examination; (4) the…

The British Columbia Social Studies Assessment program gathered information about: (1) students' knowledge, skills, and opinions of society and social studies; (2) the reaction of various publics to student performance; (3) the relationship of school and non-school factors to student performance; (4) professional and non-professional views of the…

This document suggests that the main purpose of the study of current affairs in the social studies program in Alberta, Canada, is to add relevance, interest, and immediacy. It defines current affairs as the study of news events presented by the media. Because the study of current affairs must be tied to the achievement of social studies…

This teacher resource manual is a support document developed to assist teachers responsible for implementing the new (1989) Social Studies 20 and Social Studies 23 courses in Alberta, Canada. Following a brief introduction, the first section of the manual contains information on teaching social studies, discussing goals and objectives, teaching…