Purpose: The aim of this article is to critically explore the complex relations among the triad comprising standards-based curriculum, the curriculum concept of 'competences' and the subject of civics in Swedish curricula. Design/methodology/approach: The theoretical framework is based on Bernstein's (2000) two models of pedagogy, the competence…

The new social studies curriculum has a vibrant emphasis with in-depth teaching rather than survey procedures. In-depth teaching stresses the importance of pupils understanding concepts and generalizations more thoroughly than was true formerly. Rote learning and memorization are things of the past unless they are truly vital in ongoing lessons…

These proven, practical early childhood teaching strategies help teachers identify young gifted children, differentiate curriculum, assess and document students' development, and build partnerships with parents. Chapters focus on early identification, curriculum compacting, social studies, language arts, math and science, cluster grouping,…

In November 2004, State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick convened the Maryland Social Studies Task Force. The Task Force was charged with examining issues related to social studies education and recommending ways to improve social studies instruction in Maryland's public schools. The Task Force formed four Subcommittees, each examining…

The "Multiple Intelligences, Curriculum and Assessment Project" at University College Cork was a collaborative project carried out between 1995 and 1999. The key research question focused on whether Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences could be applied to, and enhance, aspects of curriculum and assessment at primary and…

The newly updated "Content-Based Curriculum for High-Ability Learners" provides a solid introduction to curriculum development in gifted and talented education. Written by experts in the field of gifted education, this text uses cutting-edge design techniques and aligns the core content with national and state standards. In addition to a revision…

For almost five decades during his professional life, Engle was deeply concerned about the philosophical views that made up social studies education, as well as ways those views were being practiced in the classrooms. In particular, he criticized the philosophical views of two contemporary educators, Edgar Wesley and Jerome Bruner. Wesley believed…

Discusses social studies and its critics; the struggle for the soul of social studies; fragmentation and national standards; proliferation of standards; and assessment in the national standards. Suggests that administrators and teachers responsible for curriculum development should carefully examine all standards documents as they plan for…

Maintains that group activities in the classroom can be beneficial both socially and academically for students. Presents a six-step plan for helping students develop social skills while working in cooperative groups. Discusses classroom management, grading, and lesson structure issues related to cooperative learning. (CFR)

Methods are examined for developing an instructional program in social studies for students with mental disabilities. A natural arena for teaching social studies--the community--provides a setting where basic skills can be applied to increase students' knowledge of the social, economic, and political environments in which they will be…

The author analyzes the Joint Council on Economic Education economics curriculum in terms of a framework developed by Klein, Tye, and Goodlad (1975), and points to a wide disparity between the ideal or formal curriculum and what actually goes on in the classroom. (Editor)

Presents citations in the ERIC database on testing and assessment in the social studies. Includes items concerning the nature of testing, tests as guides for curriculum, the impact of testing, and the validity of performance grades. Suggests works on context effect, history instruction, and what students need to know. (DK)

The underlying problems which should guide the revision of the secondary social studies curriculum in New York state are examined. Educational principles are discussed; explanatory statements regarding social science disciplines, history, social studies, and concept teaching are provided; and teacher education and student evaluation are…

Notes that the curriculum standards under development by the National Council for the Social Studies incorporate authentic learning assessment tasks and suggest ways that civic participation experiences can be included and the subsequent learning assessed. Discusses instruction and assessment opportunities involving citizenship education. (RS)

Over the past 10 years, there have been calls for and attempts at social studies reform in Norway and the United States. But all social sciences, it seems, are not equal. Some social sciences (history, geography, civics, economics) are more equal than others (sociology, anthropology, psychology). Within this charged atmosphere the Social Science…