The three books comprising this project are analyzed, each containing studies on controversial issues in an attempt to offer understanding of the American political system to junior high and secondary level students. (SM)

The American government course and materials, described and evaluated in this article, have been designed to prepare secondary students to organize data, utilize concepts, and apply analytic skills. (SM)

Annual review of 121 research studies in the social sciences. Categorized on the basis of four major headings: (1) subject area studies, (2) preparing for instruction, (3) conduct of instruction, and (4) the preparation of social studies teachers. (MF)

Major changes in secondary civic education have been proposed in part as a response to the recent enfranchisement of 18-20 year olds, but the greatest impetus has been the recognition of inadequacies in existing programs. (Author)

Describes an approach to teaching for political efficacy which is currently being tested with high school seniors in government classes. (MB)

Questions considered are: What are the modal political beliefs and attitudes of junior high school students? What are their capabilities for political learning and what suggestions for improving instruction can be derived from studies of their political learning? (Author/VW)

Presents an overview of textbooks on government and politics published from 1793 through the nineteenth century. History and geography textbooks were the main vehicle for civic education until 1830 when political textbooks began to be published. (Author/KC)

Presents the address by President Susan Adler at the 80th National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Annual Conference in November 2000. Focuses on the NCSS initiatives, such as the Governance Task Force and the Citizenship Education Task Force, and explores the future of social studies. (CMK)

Presents a rationale and definition of service learning. Discusses the reasons why service learning is important for students in social studies education, particularly in relationship to citizenship education. Focuses on the benefits that service learning offers to students learning social studies. (CMK)

Fifteen Ontario social studies teachers who taught a revised civics course reflected on their own civics learning experiences. Most had some elementary-secondary exposure; teacher training emphasized methods over content. The most powerful influence was family socialization; political participation also contributed to development of knowledge and…

Discusses various topics that have faced the 107th U.S. Congress, such as tax cuts, judicial appointments, domestic issues, patients' bill of rights, stem cell research, election law, and campaign finance reform. Includes information on U.S. Senate and federal judicial appointments. Provides ideas for student learning activities. (CMK)

Six requirements for citizenship in the 21st century are discussed: civic literacy, critical thinking, social conscience, tolerance and respect for diversity, global citizenship, and political action. An action agenda is proposed that includes promoting student involvement in off-campus political projects and on-campus governance. (Author/MLW)

Describes how the school literary journal can be used to publish students' writing about public affairs to add new dimensions to the journal and transform it to a comprehensive display of students' interests and writing abilities. (MG)

Reports on a voting project in an interdisciplinary humanities class to help students think carefully about the qualities and qualifications of political leaders. Describes how the students integrated research, reading, and writing skills to engage in campaigning and other election-related activities for political candidates whose characters they…