Asserts that students need opportunities to solve problems by making concept connections from many disciplines. Integrating mathematics and social studies can help. Includes 20 class activities and a chart recommending which grade levels are most appropriate for each activity. (CFR)

Maintains that social studies teachers need to know that Asian Pacific American students are a diverse and increasing population. Discusses characteristics of Asian Pacific students and relevant self-concept research, and presents recommendations for learning activities and teacher-student interaction. (CFR)

Maintains that children with disabilities increasingly are attending schools and classrooms they would attend if they did not have disabilities. Reports that educational research indicates little evidence that ability grouping improves academic achievement among these students. (CFR)

Contends that young children are fascinated by big books and teachers find them enjoyable and effective. Discusses appropriate multicultural content for big books and presents suggestions for effective classroom use. Includes a bibliography of big books categorized into six multicultural groupings. (CFR)

Offers the National Council for the Social Studies' official position on Christopher Columbus' voyages to the Americas. Acknowledges the roles of Native Americans, Africans, and Asians in the Age of Discovery. Recognizes the effects of Columbus' contacts with the other cultures of the Americas. Explores the contemporary relevance of 1492. (SG)

Contends that U.S. educational change is characterized by several factors including rapid demographic shifts, new research into the nature of teaching and learning, and dissatisfaction with students' achievement on national tests. Includes an annotated bibliography of 16 ERIC articles and documents on the topic. (CFR)

Reviews criticism of elementary social studies textbooks, focusing on how the written text, the pictures, and graphics often seem unrelated. Asserts that the inclusion and use of literature selections in K-3 social studies textbooks is a newly emerging strategy. (CFR)

Reviews research on the development of social attitudes by elementary children. Reports on a study of the impact of children's literature and response activities on attitudinal shifts among 18 second-grade students. Recommends further research and provides a 12-item annotated bibliography reflecting cultural similarities. (CFR)

Discusses the history of U.S. community service programs and asserts that the potential benefits for students include increased self-esteem, enhanced motivation and interest in school, improved academic achievement, and increased social responsibility. Includes a list of six curriculum resources and a bibliography. (CFR)

Reviews the history of the national standards movement. Discusses the standards developed by the Task Force on Standards of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS). Describes the content and format of the NCSS standards, how they could be used, and what resources are necessary for effective implementation. (CFR)

Contends that, although the concept of integrating language arts or science activities to social studies can be a powerful instructional strategy, it may neglect social content. Suggests that social studies teachers introduce books to their colleagues in other subject areas so they can integrate social studies content into their instruction. (CFR)

Asserts that social studies is a natural medium for teaching cross-cultural understanding and making education more meaningful for students from different ethnic, social, or cultural backgrounds. Presents a bibliographical essay including recommended teacher and student resources on issues related to multiculturalism and national unity. (CFR)

Reports on an interview with the president, past president, and president elect of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) about the impact of the national standards movement and the future of social studies education. Discusses the Goals 2000 national standards projects and their relationship to NCSS Social Studies Standards efforts.…

Asserts that celebration of holidays, long a significant aspect of elementary social studies, has been abandoned by many schools because of controversy. Argues that holidays serve important societal functions and are part of the public culture. Provides criteria for establishing school policies about holidays and their celebration. (CFR)

Maintains that today's students will be soon be functioning in leadership and service roles, making decisions that shape their personal lives and those of others in a world of rapid change and challenge. Discusses student empowerment and maintains that it should be construed as helping all students. (CFR)