This report is based on a survey of the literature on needs and practices in precollege social science education for the period 1955 through 1975. The major task of the study was to identify, analyze, and summarize the literature produced during that two decade period concerning: (1) the state of and trends in practices in precollege social science education; (2) the effectiveness and efficiency in precollege social science education; and (3) the state of and trends in perceptions of needs in precollege social science education. Extensive systematics searches were conducted of the ERIC data base, "Dissertation Abstracts,""Psychological Abstracts,""Sociological Abstracts,""Education Index," all comprehensive reviews of research in social studies education, all compilations of abstracts of dissertations in social studies education, and the journal "Social Education." In addition, special-focus searches were carried out as needed related to various handbooks, encyclopedias, curriculum guides, and state-of-the-art monographs. The report is organized into four sections: (1) Literature Describing the State of and Trends in Social Studies/Social Science Education Practices, 1955-1975; (2) Research on the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Practices in Social Studies/Social Science Education; (3) Needs in Social Studies/Social Science Education; and (4) The "New Social Studies." An appendix containing supporting data is included. (Author/SLH)