This textual analysis is a collective case study of K-12 United States History content standards in light of how they represent the historical experiences of African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. The study uses a multi-perspective critical conceptual framework to evaluate the standards for nine state-level polities on both the…

This paper proposes that as a way to broaden the theoretical and historical context of social studies foundational literature and curriculum history, attention must be given to issues of race and racism related the experiences of African Americans. First, race and racism should be used as an analytical tool to examine longstanding foundations…

In the field of history education, researchers and practitioners frequently demonstrate a keen interest in historical empathy. However, very little consensus exists concerning the meaning of the term. In an effort to make sense of the continuing debate, this article explores the competing conceptualizations of historical empathy found in the…

After approximately two decades of using the Quality Core Curriculum, in 2005 the State of Georgia began the process of implementing the new Georgia Performance Standard. In this article the authors examine the strengths and weaknesses of this new curriculum, along with the proposed model of implementation. In this examination, the authors will…

In this study, 30 students in a graduate level social studies methods course used digital historical resources to respond to a single question about the Cuban Missile Crisis: "How was the Cuban Missile Crisis resolved?" The participants were placed in three groups and each group was given a different scaffolding strategy for using online sources…

Develops a rationale for integrating technology with the social studies. Uses five principles of powerful teaching and learning in social studies (social studies that is meaningful, integrative, value-based, challenging, and active) as a framework to review the research literature related to social studies and technology. (CMK)

Describes the development and assessment of evaluation instruments designed to test student political-citizenship knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The tests are a part of the Improving Citizenship Education Project in Fulton County, Georgia. (Author/CK)

Describes a teacher-centered model for constructing social studies curriculum materials. The model included cooperation between social studies teachers and university professors, interdisciplinary content, and evaluation methods. Also describes a successful workshop to develop materials based on the model. (Author/AV)

Three social studies supervisors were observed and compared in terms of their skills in communication, leadership, and decision making. Analysis of the supervisors' activities revealed participation in similar activities and common problems. Differences were related to size of jurisdiction, budget, personal style, and professional reputation.…

Research has shown that teachers have difficulty stage scoring moral thought statements based on Kohlberg's moral development theory. This article explores ways of using process evaluation, developed recently by Kohlberg and others, to avoid stage scoring moral judgments within "Kohlbergian" programs. (AV)

Social studies-related dissertations dealing with elementary and secondary education which are listed in Volume 41 of "Dissertation Abstracts International" are reviewed and critiqued. Excluded were dissertations on moral development and those dealing with social studies education in foreign countries. (RM)

A conception of citizen decision making based on participatory democratic theory is most likely to foster effective citizenship. An examination of social studies traditions suggests that reflective thinking as a teaching method is congenial to this conception. Simulation gaming is a potentially powerful instructional strategy for supporting…

An analysis of definitions of multicultural education shows a patterning around three basic descriptors: (1) affective--e.g., awareness, sensitizing; (2) cognition--basic information on cultures; and (3) competencies/skills--social skills and behavioral competencies necessary to function in a pluralistic society. ERIC multicultural documents are…

Presents a study that examined student knowledge of place-name geography in a Georgia school system that systematically included geography education at all grade levels. Findings indicated that these students identified correct locations more frequently than adults in any of the nine nations in the 1988 Gallup survey. Includes the test used in…

Explores the trade book-social studies connection, defining the relationship's terminology, analyzing its content, elaborating focus areas, clarifying perceptions of literature as a teaching tool, and describing trends in trade book advocacy. Concludes that the social studies field resists change and has been ill-served by reformers who ignore the…