Outlines key elements of a core of common learning for the elementary and secondary curriculum, including the study of literature, as a means of addressing basic human questions and dilemmas, and of history, focusing on key figures, events, and issues; Western and non-Western studies; and religion. (DMM)

Assesses the extent to which policies and practices of Georgia school districts conformed to state recommendations in 3 areas: social studies curriculum requirements, teacher certification, and the teacher/classroom situation. Reaffirms the significance of teaching history and the value of the subject itself. Offers 8 recommendations in regard to…

Peculiar problems and opportunities that arise in teaching about the Vietnam War to a generation that has little historical memory of the events and virtually no emotional investment in the issues are discussed. (RM)

Provides guidelines for using intergenerational interviews as a technique to make the past more immediate and concrete for fourth and fifth grade students. Solutions to common problems encountered with this type of project are presented. (JDH)

A Scottish educator observes that "most of Europe" is taught in U. S. high schools as a "living museum," neglecting contemporary life and developments. Provides an outline of content, emphasizing human geography, which is suggested for the study of contemporary Scotland by U. S. high school students. (JDH)

In history classes, each student should (1) be encouraged to learn about his or her own past, and (2) be actively involved in the process of learning. For example, students can be asked to find out every thing they can that was going on the day they were born. (RM)

The state of California has developed model curriculum standards for required high school social studies courses. Included here are the "Introduction" and "Organization and Format" from the history-social science section of the "Model Curriculum Standards: Grades Nine through Twelve," and the standards for the world…

Activities to help sixth graders experience Greek culture are presented. In the first activity the students learn about the mythology and work and leisure of the ancient Greeks; the second activity involves students in cooking many Greek dishes. (RM)

One college professor's case history and candid appraisal of an experiment in non-directed learning is offered that emphasizes the characteristics of the student-teacher relationship and classroom dynamics. (Editor/LBH)

The purpose of this report is: (1) To point out the features of a number of manipulative supplemental resources for history and social studies teachers; and (2) to show how similarly manipulative professional development workshops propagate the distorted content and recommended teaching practices of such materials to teachers and their…

This two-semester course emphasizes key events and developments in the past that influenced peoples and places in subsequent eras. Students are expected to practice skills and processes of historical thinking and inquiry that involve chronological thinking, comprehension, analysis and interpretation, research, issues-analysis, and decision-making.…

More than 15 years have passed since publication of "Education for Democracy: A Statement of Principles", in which perspective and encouragement were offered to teachers and schools to instill in students an attachment to democratic values and institutions. In the wake of the attacks of September 11, 2001, this call is being renewed.…

"Facing History and Ourselves" aims to promote core character education values and to help middle and high school students develop moral reasoning skills. Students examine historical events, in particular the events that led to World War II and the Holocaust. Teachers participate in professional development seminars and apply the content…

During the past 10 years, there has been a movement among state education departments to develop academic content standards, standards-based assessments of student achievement, and standards-related high school graduation requirements for students. This Digest discusses: (1) state content standards in history; (2) standards-based student…

Union Army troops marched south through Indian territory on July 17, 1863, to face the Confederate Army forces in a battle that would help determine whether the Union or the Confederacy would control the West beyond the Mississippi River. The Confederate troops that these soldiers faced in the Battle of Honey Springs concealed themselves among the…