Reviews 10 resources on First Amendment issues and related social studies topics available from the Educational Resource Information Center (ERIC). Presents information pertinent both to the classroom teacher and to school administrators concerned about First Amendment issues. Gives annotated bibliographical information. (CH)

Reprints two statements of the Academic Freedom Committee of the National Council for the Social Students on academic freedom and professional standards in social studies education. Stresses the rights and responsibilities of teachers, students, and administrators to protect the freedom to teach and learn in a democratic spirit of inquiry. (CH)

Traces early twentieth-century educational reforms that created the social studies as a field to restructure information into knowledge and promote citizenship. Presents the National Council for the Social Studies' skill objectives. Argues the social studies, although firmly based in social criticism, must still evolve to adequately address the…

Posits that historical details can lend credibility, spark interest, and establish context for elementary history instruction. Argues, however, that teachers must distinguish between factual details and major historical developments. Suggests textbooks, mastery learning pressures, and test construction practices contribute to the inappropriate use…

Identifies problems plaguing social studies' future developments, including the content-process approach debate. Recommends a synoptic approach, based on meeting psychological students' needs and connecting ideas to learners. Argues against a uniform national social studies curriculum. Urges compromise among social studies teachers and researchers…

Sketches recent struggles over censorship and student publications, beginning with the Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier case. Argues the flurry of litigation concerning First Amendment rights necessitates including these concerns in social studies courses. (CH)

Dissects features of the First Amendment, concentrating on freedom of religion, speech, and press clauses. Highlights the Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier case and its reverberations. Argues that, when school officials censor, students learn that government may censor. Suggests censorship is counterproductive to schools' mission to promote…

Observing that school official censorship often produces a sense of futility and resignation among students, criticizes recent student press censorship. Argues student experience of First Amendment freedoms is the best teacher of citizenship and democratic values. Contrasts instances of censorship to student press articles where First Amendment…

Asserts that social studies teachers must combine individual rights and responsibilities when teaching citizenship. Contends democracy depends on citizenship literacy, or citizens who understand their First Amendment rights as well as their obligations. Stresses the importance of teaching students to think critically about their role as citizens.…

Contends citizenship education should teach a living U.S. Constitution, rather than a blueprint for government. Stresses teachers' responsibility to instruct students about responsibilities as citizens as well as rights. Argues citizenship education, specifically, and social studies, in general, must teach individuals how to live together with…

Recounts a lawyer's personal experience teaching high school students from the wrong side of the tracks about the U.S. Constitution as part of a pilot program. Suggests that linking legal issues to students' personal lives. Can inspire as well as inform. (CH)

Presents a simulation in which a student political action committee organizes to protest budget cuts affecting their high school. Seeks to engage students in legal reasoning over First Amendment issues. Poses possible protests, then asks students whether they believe First Amendment rights would protect them. Includes Supreme Court precedents for…

Introduces the censorship, and imprisonment of Jehovah's Witnesses who distributed, "The Finished Mystery," which contained antiwar statements deemed seditious during World War I. Asks students to examine a Justice Department document pertaining to the case. Helps students decide whether national security needs should override First Amendment…

Provides a model National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) essay examination that teachers may use to evaluate higher-order thinking among social studies high school students. Presents a constitutional issue for students to argue positions. Reports examination results from 51 classrooms. Includes essay examples and scoring rationale.…

Suggests the variety of Christmas songs (sacred, secular, traditional, and nontraditional) recorded since 1940 offers enormous potential for use in social studies classrooms. Argues these songs provide insights into cultural history and social change. Suggests several classroom activities discussing and classifying Christmas songs. Includes a…