Education in the social sciences aims to help students develop as rational, humane, and productive citizens in a democratic society. Four elements of social studies education are necessary to help develop such citizens: knowledge, skills, values, and participation. Both the formal and the informal curriculum should be based on a reasoned commitment to a core of democratic values, ideas, and beliefs. As important as what the students learn is the way in which the student learns. The resource materials that comprise this guide are gathered together to help educators build an environment where: all teachers are informed and committed to improving education in the social sciences; all teachers are clear about the target social science standards, benchmarks, and eligible content; standards, curriculum, and assessment are closely aligned; and students are engaged in active learning with teaching that builds upon past experiences and previous knowledge. The guide organizes the content standards in social science in five strands: history (including U.S. history and world history); geography; civics; economics; and social science analysis. It outlines content standards using a chart-style format, and then discusses the following curriculum and instruction: Benchmark 1: Primary (K-3); Benchmark 2: Elementary (4-5); Benchmark 3: Middle School (6-8); CIM Benchmark: High School (9-10); All Grade Levels; Sheltered Instruction; Web: Editorial Cartoons; and Internet Helps Meet Social Studies Benchmarks. Includes assessment and resources sections. (BT)