Beginning with a review of the purpose of social studies education and the major responsibilities of teachers, this paper goes on to discuss various approaches to citizenship education, including the verbalizing of perceived values at the elementary and secondary levels; the study of persistent social, economic, and political problems; the acquisition of decision-making skills; and the participation and direct involvement of students in community and school projects. An overview of such current educational issues as declining enrollments, "back to basics" emphasis, discipline and related problems, lack of preparation time for teachers, the need for continuing education, resource support, recognition for teachers, and the need for creative and productive leadership in schools is presented. The topic of improving social studies instruction is discussed from the standpoints of teaching strategies, learning activities, and experience. Guidelines for selecting appropriate learning activities, instructional objectives for the social studies (attitude objectives, knowledge objectives, and skills objectives), curriculum development, and instructional methodology (scope and sequence, curriculum guides, inquiry based instruction, question types, and questioning techniques) are outlined. (SY)