Results of a Wingspread conference which focused on future directions in social studies education are presented. Part 1 contains the personal statements of conference speakers. Topics include the restructuring of social studies, what social knowledge is of the greatest worth, how to best prepare enlightened citizens for the 21st century, four possible futures for social studies, and schools in a new age. Part 2 contains essays that resulted from small-group conference discussions. Essay themes include social studies for assertive citizenship, elements of a successful social studies program, worthwhile knowledge for the 21st century, future directions, and problems which must be solved. Part 3 contains recommendations, including: (1) social studies education should have a common curriculum emphasis within a diversity of instructional patterns; (2) the major goal of social studies should be civic literacy; (3) an interdisciplinary approach should be used; (4) teachers must create and use educational research; and (5) the scope of a quality social studies program must address the holistic goal of developing enlightened citizenship. (RM)