Assesses advancements made in injecting women's history into the secondary curriculum, especially in relation to calls by the National Council for the Social Studies for a more balanced social studies curriculum. Discusses actions that teachers and administrators can take to infuse women's history into their classes. Includes a sample lesson plan.…

Contains an instructional model for using literary excerpts to promote historical reasoning and perspective taking in secondary history courses. Includes a discussion on the value of literature for historical exploration, a description of the instructional model, and an example lesson using the model. Notes potential pitfalls to using this method.…

Justifies the creation of the Center for Public Integrity in light of the decline of investigative reporting by mainstream journalists in Washington, DC. The Center's efforts to make public officials more accountable, to take a systematic view of unethical behavior, and to find the causes for loss of trust in government are outlined. (DSK)

Touts the advantages of experiential learning through educational games, or simulations, as provided by outdoor-learning centers. The organization of outdoor learning is discussed along with ways for integrating community groups into the activities. Included are five examples, a bibliography, and contact information for two centers that support…

Presents data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS: 88) to demonstrate the widespread participation of high school seniors in voluntary community service. Suggests that teachers should build on this interest in community service, and offers hints to help make community and service learning more effective learning…

Tells about the creation of the High School Geography Project. Beginning with a statement of problems faced by geography instructors, the story continues by examining the creation of project objectives, development of an overarching structure for lessons, and discussion of the project's success. Suggestions for contemporary curriculum design are…

Summarizes "Generation X Goes to College" (Peter Sacks, 1996) and critically discusses its main points. The role of postmodern culture and its effect on education form the core of the discussion on contemporary students' approach to higher education. Notes the roles that teachers must play in this new educational environment. (DSK)

Outlines what it means to be "learning disabled" and presents a number of symptoms of learning disabilities. Suggests means by which social studies teachers can reach learning disabled students and help them to learn, including alternative assignments, guided notes, unit organizers, cooperative learning, and active response activities. (DSK)

Contains suggestions for lesson planning and instructional strategies that are based upon individual student needs and high teacher expectations within increasingly diverse classrooms. Discusses planning around the concept of a planning pyramid of student learning. Presents a sample lesson plan about immigration to the United States. (DSK)

Develops an alternative to traditional genealogy assignments in order to bring this type of project into line with the increasing trend of blended families, those with stepparents or stepsiblings. Posits that this project allows students from all family backgrounds to gain valuable historical information in a meaningful and nonthreatening context.…

Addresses practical concerns about teaching students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), explaining what it is, how it is diagnosed, what it looks like in the classroom, how to address the symptoms of ADHD through direct classroom instruction, and how to help parents of children with ADHD. (DSK)

Argues that a view of First Ladies as "activist political partners" is the rule rather than exception, despite their omission from most textbooks. Suggests that biographies of First Ladies offer a fascinating way to study presidential politics and to illuminate the role of women in U.S. history. Discusses several First Ladies. (DSK)

Defines "Theme Study" with three essential elements: use of broad, powerful ideas; inquiry-based approaches to curricula; and a community of inquiry of students and teacher. Shares experiences in applying these elements and discusses essential aspects of classroom instruction. (DSK)

Reports that previous research showed that many individuals are ethnocentric and lack global awareness. Provides an overview of theories related to ethnocentrism; presents data illustrating attitudes experienced by Thai exchange students in the United States; and introduces a pedagogical approach to global education that minimizes ethnocentrism…

Relates the creation of the "Tarheel Museum," created by fourth-grade students in a North Carolina school. Used the creation of a museum to engage students in studying about state history; to incorporate art, music, and physical education into social studies; and to engage special education students. (DSK)