Illustrates that China has been undergoing an unprecedented rapidity of change. Discusses the high unemployment rates, job markets, reform movements, differences in economic equality, the role of the National People's Congress, and the changing political climate. Reveals that freedom is subtly beginning to permeate the lives of Chinese citizens.…

Proposes a course of study that would have high school students study and practice a public policy analysis model used by public policy professionals. Elaborates on the meaning of and rationale for public policy analysis and presents a detailed conceptual framework. Argues that competence in this activity will strengthen popular sovereignty. (DSK)

Reviews research to answer under what conditions, if any, does homework make a difference in student achievement. Provides a brief history of the homework debate. Reviews 84 homework experiments conduced between 1904 and 1984. Concludes that most studies found homework beneficial. (JDH)

This article presents a compilation of computer resources for elementary and secondary social studies. Included are books, software directories, periodicals, journal articles on classroom applications, selected software with ordering information, and information about on- line data bases. (JDH)

This article provides a brief history of the development of the 1984 National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) scope and sequence document and introduces the series of articles in this issue. (JDH)

Analyzes critical problems associated with teaching world studies. Cautions that failure to conceptualize courses has lead to an overemphasis on either general or concrete material and lack of instructional diversity. Suggests methodology for conceptualizing courses. Points out the conflicting demands made upon a well conceptualized social studies…

Asks how intellectual development is tied to social setting. Considers this question from three perspectives: republican, cognitive developmental, and historical-materialists. Concludes that each recognizes that thinking is a product of social conditions. Discusses the importance for social studies education in terms of content and…

Examines research on the principal ways people learn the location of places. Considers the traditional methods of teaching place location geography. Proposes alternative teaching methods which reflect the research findings. States that these alternative methods utilize mental and physical involvement in the process, purposeful exploration,…

Urges the frank examination of painful episodes in Western and other open societies' recent history to achieve glasnost and historical honesty. Cites the Klaus Barbie trial and the accompanying embarrassment for both France and the United States. Points out distortion in Japanese textbooks on the pre- and World War II years and in U.S. textbooks…

Poses ethical questions related to social studies education and professional values in five case studies illustrating the six principles of the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) Code of Ethics. Raises questions about the NCSS's involvement in overseeing professional ethics and encourages discussion about ethical principles. (LS)

Provides a practical guide for evaluators of social studies courseware derived from a general evaluation instrument and the National Council for Social Studies' curriculum specific guidelines. The criteria address content, instructional, and technical quality, as well as social studies knowledge, skill development, and values. Includes a sample…

Argues that the greatest deficiency in U.S. education is the development of behavior that is attitude and value-driven, not information-driven. Urges social studies teachers to recognize that middle school education is a moral enterprise and adjust examples, discussion, and teaching activities accordingly. Reviews research and instructional…

Cites examples of private attacks and governmental restrictions on academic freedom. Contends that teachers must explicitly teach the importance of free inquiry in an open society; and that school districts must have written procedures in place for dealing with complaints. (JDH)

Contends that universities must be concerned with efforts to censor elementary and secondary schools' academic freedom. Reports on the American Association of University Professors' (AAUP) recommendations for promoting and protecting academic freedom. The recommendations are targeted at universities, academic disciplines, and individual faculty…

Clarifies and explains the ideologies and potential justifications of censorship efforts. Offers recommendations and procedures for maintaining an atmosphere with ample freedom to learn and positive community relations. (JDH)