In this historical study, the author reexamines the relationship and role of social efficiency and scientific curriculum making in the early years of the social studies (1916-1929). The author argues that historians have applied the term "social efficiency" too bluntly to label and ultimately dismiss a variety of educational reformers in…

In this paper I discuss three issues relevant to the ideas introduced by Colucci-Gray, Perazzone, Dodman and Camino (2012) in their three-part paper on epistemological reflections and educational practice for science education for sustainability: (1) social studies of science for science education, (2) education for sustainability or sustainable…

How can curriculum history be re-envisioned from a feminist, poststructuralist perspective? "Engendering Curriculum History" disrupts dominant notions of history as linear, as inevitable progress, and as embedded in the individual. This conversation requires a history that seeks "rememberance" not representation, "reflexivity" not linearity, and…

This study examined uses of adolescent literature included secondary teacher preparation in English, math, science, and social studies education at 12 institutions. Analyses revealed programs emphasized adolescent literature in a variety of ways and most often in courses for English majors. Only two institutions required that prospective math,…

High-stakes, standardized tests have become ubiquitous in public education in the United States. Teachers across the country are feeling the intensified pressures from high-stakes testing policies and are responding to these pressures by teaching to the tests in varying ways (Renter et al., 2006). Given the hegemony of high-stakes testing in…

Explores the historiography of the social studies curriculum in the United States since the depression as presented by three educators who were most responsible for establishing a widely accepted social studies framework--Henry Johnson, Rolla Tryon, and Edgar Wesley. Topics discussed include characteristics of their view of the development of the…

The Curriculum Research & Development Group (CRDG) is a research unit of the College of Education at the University of Hawai'i. Part of its mission is to develop curriculum materials for students in grades K-12. The social studies section of CRDG has been developing curriculum materials on Asia since the early 1990s. As part of a project…

This study examined the status of elementary social studies in South Dakoa in relation to: (1) instructional time; (2) instructional strategies; (3) the use of the textbook and other materials; (4) the availability of professional growth resources; (5) specific subject and skill areas of emphasis; and (6) the professional perceptions of principals…

This programmed text of basic geography was created by Project Africa, a social studies curriculum research and development project established at Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania). This material is intended to serve as an independent study aid for students who wish to understand basic geographic principles of location, seasons…

Examines the Primary Education Project (PEP) which is designed to integrate the separate subjects of geography, history, and civics into one class of "social studies." This study examines differences in classroom instruction between this integrated curriculum and the individual subject areas. Concludes PEP was successful but questions…

Four unexpected patterns of teacher behavior are identified and elaborated: selecting national project curriculums on the basis of pragmatic criteria; visualizing the teaching problems with new materials only after classroom experience with these materials; rejecting abstract analysis of curriculum issues in favor of concrete thinking; and viewing…

Explores the connections between language, curriculum theory, and social studies. Six language modes--descriptive, explanatory, controlling, legitimating, prescriptive, and affiliative--are defined, and their use in classrooms and social studies curricula discussed. The author suggests that this type of linguistic analysis be used as a basis for…

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…

Sets an agenda for improving instructional research conducted with classical quantitative experimental or quasi-experimental methodology. Includes guidelines regarding the role of a social perspective, adequate conceptual and operational definition, quality instrumentation, control of threats to internal and external validity, and the use of…

Presents results of a survey questionnaire asking for teacher perspectives on student acquisition of democratic citizenship. States that the survey initially was begun as a field test of the evaluation instrument. Includes the survey questions and percentages of agreement and disagreement in the teachers' responses. (DK)