Discusses four areas needing attention as the New York State Education Department begins the revision of the secondary-school social studies program. They are teaching local and state history, developing economic literacy, stressing the importance of a global perspective, and learning the values of civic responsibility. (RM)

This ERIC Digest discusses heritage education in terms of: (1) what it is; (2) why it belongs in the core curriculum; (3) how it relates to social studies education; and (4) the qualities of exemplary heritage education programs. Heritage education is defined as an approach to teaching and learning about history and culture that uses information…

Clarifies the advantages and disadvantages of teaching state and local history. Lists suggestions made by J. J. Blaga and L. E. Nielson for the improvement of state studies. Notes that these suggestions have significance for the long term but that methods for short-term improvement have not been forthcoming. (KO)

United States state history is a required component of the upper elementary social studies curriculum in all 50 states. Noting that few resources exist on the subject of state history, this book aims to show teachers how to plan a state unit using a culturally relevant, social constructivist pedagogy with connections to literacy, a focus on…

This document presents materials designed to help teachers in Vermont to teach more effectively about that state and its heritage. The materials stem from a conference at which scholars spoke to Vermont teachers about their work and about how it might be taught. Papers presented at the conference are included, as well as sample lessons and units…

This fourth-grade level social studies framework will help teachers develop programs best suited to their students' needs. There are two main sections to the guide: a teacher notebook and a syllabus. The teacher notebook elaborates on the key features of the program, suggesting relevant classroom applications. Discussed are concept and skill…

Intended for use by teachers in the establishment of curriculum to study centennial-bicentennial topics, the main purpose of this guide is to instill in students an appreciation of Colorado's system of government, resources, people, territory, and technology. Suggestions for teaching about seven major areas which relate to Colorado's heritage are…