The following topics and objectives are presented as essential for teachers, principals, and supervisors to study in working towards a modern elementary social studies curriculum: (1) objectives in the social studies; (2) trends in the social studies; (3) scope and sequence; (4) materials used in teaching; (5) readiness in learning; (6) number of units taught in a year; (7) emphasis to be placed on the structure; (8) balance in unit titles; (9) the use of specific objectives; (10) thorough evaluation of pupil achievement; (11) democratic living in the classroom; (12) the use of maps and globes in social studies units; (13) current affairs in social studies units; and (14) pupil interest in current affairs. In addition to a discussion of each of the above items, a number of educational philosophies are briefly surveyed. A 29-item list of references is included. (DB)