Asserts that decisions regarding textbook content China are political and determined by the central government. Reports on a study of 15 elementary and secondary geography textbooks published between 1948 and 1991. Finds that the image of the United States portrayed in these books has changed dramatically. (CFR)

Argues that the integration of mainstream literacy into social studies instruction is necessary to ensure that students in urban middle school classrooms learn content. Also argues for instruction from a "multiple literacies" approach in order to validate and engage disinterested students. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the impact of a transformative curriculum in social studies among 96 11th-grade students in a New York City high school. Illustrates problems teachers face when they assume that students are making the intellectual connections expected of them. (CFR)

Reports on a study of how naive theories, age, and education relate to higher order thinking among 54 adolescents and adults. Finds that, regardless of age and education, all subjects referred to naive theories to identify causes and create remedial strategies for social problems. (CFR)