This collection of eight articles was written to assist schools in rethinking and strengthening social studies programs, grades K-6. The articles offer practical suggestions for classroom teachers, social studies supervisors, and other professionals who have responsibility for planning and implementing programs. The issue begins with an article by Linda Biemer in which she builds a strong case for meaningful social studies programs at the elementary level and lists important goals for effective programs. The second article by Eileen Neeson outlines the process by which a school or district can create materials to support and implement the New York State Social Studies Program. The third article by Jerry M. Schulman presents a step-by-step model useful in designing content/concept/skills-focused activities. The fourth article by Florence Jackson urges elementary social studies teachers to focus on helping students develop a global perspective and global citizenship skills and attitudes. The fifth article by Judith S. Wooster presents three approaches to teaching for concept learning. The sixth article by Gloria Sesso offers model lessons in which skill instruction plays an integral role in delivering content and concept goals. The seventh article by Michael G. Fischer calls for expanding and strengthening the scope of evaluation and offers evaluation strategies that go beyond low level recall to assess content, concept and skill goals. The final article by Wayne Mahood outlines six strategies to help the profession prepare and retain high quality elementary social studies teachers. (RSL)