Provides background information on the onset of the millennium/century. Maintains that the turn of the millennium/century constitutes a historical benchmark that can and should engage students in the changing world in which they live. Describes nine activities for teaching students about the turn of the millennium/century. (CMK)

Describes the history surrounding the 1897 Hawaiian Petition Against Annexation that is stored in the National Archives and Records Administration. Explains that the petition is revered by native Hawaiians because it demonstrates that the Hawaiians opposed annexation by the United States. Provides teaching activities in relation to the petition.…

Endorses the television series entitled "Culture Shock" that views controversial art as an artifact suggesting that the arts, and controversies surrounding them, can help viewers think critically about the issues of past and present societies. Focuses on "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," the painting "Olympia," jazz, and films in the…

Explores the nature of political polling describing various kinds of polls, when the polls are used, and other external factors affecting polling in political campaigns. Provides three lessons to help students understand and develop skills related to polling as preparation for their roles as citizens in a democracy. (CMK)

Describes the role of the "Keys to the White House" in predicting future U.S. presidents during political campaigns for office. Explains that the "Keys to the White House" consist of 13 statements favoring the reelection of the incumbent party. Provides a table demonstrating the status of the keys for Election 2000. (CMK)

Reports the findings from Phase 1 of the Civic Education Study conducted by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement. Explains that the study examined civic education in more than 30 countries worldwide. Focuses on civic education in the United States comparing the findings to those in other countries. (CMK)

Believes that with the turn of the millennium, the United States should undergo a self-examination of the state of democracy in the country. Addresses various concerns in relation to societal reform movements and idealism, the country's performance on the world stage, inequalities still prevalent in society, and the call for social justice. (CMK)

Addresses the creation of the U.S. census, the various reasons for the census, and its role as a "reflecting pool" in society. Provides a timeline of the decennial censuses from 1790-2000 and primary documents of schedules used in different censuses for analysis. Aims to promote understanding of the census' place in society. (CMK)

Discusses the creation of the U.S. Census and addresses various purposes for the census. Describes the long and short forms involved in taking the census, questions about race and ethnicity, and the importance of a complete count. Provides five activities for teaching about Census 2000. (CMK)

Asserts that the participation of citizens in the U.S. Census is vital because the quality of the census is increased and in turn allows for the accurate depiction of U.S. society and allocation of resources. Believes that service learning enables students to learn about and participate in the U.S. Census. (CMK)

Discusses the controversial issues involved in the jury systems, such as jury selection, jury service, civic participation, and the role of the mass media. Stresses the importance of maintaining the public courtroom as a means for encouraging fair trials and not allowing closed courtrooms. Provides an accompanying article, "The Citizen's Jury," by…

Considers the use of multiple forms of assessment in the social studies classroom. Focuses on writing assessments, such as response notebooks and the I-Search essay, utilizing a rubric, the change in student projects that accompanies the incorporation of multiple assessments, and changes in tests and quizzes. Provides three recommendations for…

Addresses the problems of using student test scores to evaluate teachers, citing North Carolina as an example. Considers the problems with accountability laws, misidentifying problems when using student test scores, and teaching to the test. Discusses appropriate accountability mechanisms, the importance of social context, and organizing for…

Addresses the changing nature of social studies assessment and its importance as a curriculum component. Offers a brief history of social studies assessment and discusses the present stance on assessment and evaluation. Considers assessing student discourse in group settings and ensuring individual accountability. Provides guidelines for utilizing…

Discusses assessment in a standards-based setting, focusing on the importance of assessing subject content in social studies and the tensions teachers experience when incorporating standards and assessment. Describes a personal retrospective assignment on the civil rights movement, provides scoring guides for the assignment, and includes a student…