Presents lesson plans highlighting cultural differences between the United States and the Soviet Union. Includes background for teachers on the geography, the political system, and the economy. Student materials and suggested activities are provided. (DH)

Examines the Carnegie report in terms of three themes: (1) distrust of teachers; (2) commitment to teacher autonomy that is conditional on achieved results; and (3) a conception of teacher accountability focusing on student performance rather than professional practice. Concludes that the implicit view of the teacher is one of an assembly-line…

Maintains that the major dilemma of the Holmes Group Report is that improving teachers both is, and is not, by itself, the way to improve education. Raises several questions which the report ignores and offers a synopsis of scholarly literature regarding teacher education. (DH)

Criticizes "A Nation at Risk" as an agenda for conservative reaction, not reform. Comments on the underlying assumptions and implications of the Holmes and Carnegie reports. Concludes by suggesting alternatives for more substantive reform. (DH)

Examines the Holmes report in terms of its discussion of the role of minorities in education. Reviews current literature about minorities in education and offers a rationale for increasing minority participation in the teaching profession. (DH)

Lists current documents relating to social studies teacher certification and standards available from ERIC and CIJE. Includes a description of teacher certification standards in New York, California, and Georgia, as well as an overview of all 50 states. (DH)

Proposes that one of the fundamental human attributes is telling stories. Explores the debate on whether Neanderthals possessed language ability. Discusses the role of the "human story" in teaching anthropology. (DH)

Traces aspects of social history reflected in children's books and describes how such books may be used for scholarly research. Offers examples and concludes that scholars should explore the lost treasures of the nursery. (DH)

Survey results of the kindergarten social studies curriculum in two Midwestern states (Iowa and Kentucky) are presented. Results of the study show that teachers select topics which relate most closely to affective concerns and that technical skills are not highly valued or emphasized. (DH)

This lesson plan provides students with an opportunity to examine both the diversities and commonalities symbolized by the term "American." Includes discussion questions and activities to demonstrate the cultural diversity in the United States. (DH)

This lesson plan offers a model methodology for research assignments. Includes a sample topic list, evaluation criteria, and suggested follow-up activities. (DH)

Reviews how classroom teachers can use Congressional Satellite Public Announcement Network (C-SPAN) to stimulate and instruct students in social studies and American Government classes. Outlines future plans for classroom outreach which include a guidebook, training tapes, lesson plans, and teacher seminars. Includes an address for further…

This special section of "Social Education" deals with citizenship education and the role of the social studies in preparing citizens for the 21st century. Articles include Canadian viewpoints, ERIC documents pertaining to citizenship education, student journal writing, technology and the social studies, and a list of new social studies resources.…

Evaluates E. D. Hirsch, Jr.'s proposal for cultural literacy against four standards: clarity, rationale, feasibility, and opportunity cost. Identifying serious flaws in the proposal, Newmann states that the term "cultural literacy" is ambiguous, presents Hirsch's rationale and its shortcomings, argues that the proposal is not feasible, and…

Describes historical background of the "Living Newspaper" theater, the procedure in using the genre as a classroom activity, and the evaluation of the activity for student learning. Presents an example of play design and an observation-debriefing form, concluding that this medium stimulates student curiosity about the past and may be applied to…