Dexter Evans recalled being taught the basics of social studies in high school: the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and three branches of federal government. Although it was more than five years ago when he graduated high school, he says most of the social studies/civics lessons were taught in the classroom and with limited…

Discusses the Document Based Question (DBQ) as a way of assessing critical thinking skills. Examines several weaknesses with this type of test item and offers suggestions for overcoming them. Advocates the method continue to be used. (JDH)

This paper discusses the content of the social studies tests of the 1981-82 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Selected social studies and citizenship items were administered to 3,200 students aged 9, 13, and 17 and to adults aged 26-35. Twelve sources describing the social studies tests were reviewed, particularly the Citizenship…

This is a curriculum rationale developed as a preliminary to the development and testing of curricular materials in the slow learner classroom situation. Chapter one disucsses individual characteristics and a definition of a slow learner. The remainder of the report analyzes approaches to teaching, taking into consideration these characteristics.…

This booklet contains questions related to the 7th and 8th grade "Our Cultural Heritage" and "United States History" programs in New York State. It is intended to aid in evaluation, a necessary step in the learning process for both diagnostic and measurement purposes. In addition, this resource can be used as a teaching aid since a single question…

Describes the first administration of the California Learning Assessment System (CLAS) to fifth-grade students. Discusses the history of CLAS, types of questions employed, content coverage, methods of scoring, and reporting on tests results. Presents sample questions, student responses, and commentary on student performance. (CFR)