The future of K-12 social studies is examined in this volume, one in a series resulting from Project SPAN (Social Studies/Social Science Education: Priorities, Practices, and Needs). The report contains four sections. The first section presents "A Summary of Project SPAN." The project reviewed and analyzed the current state of K-12 social studies in order to form a basis for recommendations for future directions that might be taken to improve social studies. The five reports which were written as a result of Project SPAN are described. The second section presents and examines "Six Problems for Social Studies in the 1980s." The problems concern student learning and valuing of social studies, the culture of the school, teaching practices, the curriculum, the social studies profession, and public support. The focus of the third section is the "Desired States for Social Studies." The desired states for each of the problem areas identified in the second section are described. Together the six desired states present a vision of an ideal state of social studies education. The final section presents "Recommendations for Social Studies in the 1980s." The recommendations are organized to parallel the six problems and desired states. (Author/RM)