In 1982 the Colorado Board of Education directed the State Board of Education to organize task forces to address a variety of state educational needs. This report, presented by the Social Studies Task Force, explains the group's purposes and concerns, provides a social studies definition, and outlines the Colorado grades K-12 social studies program in terms of knowledge, skills, and attitude competencies. Examples of the use of conceptual, topical, and chronological instructional approaches are provided for elementary, middle/junior high, and senior high school classes. Recommendations are provided for: (1) a nine-step school district social studies evaluation process; (2) social studies high school graduation requirements; and (3) social studies teacher preparation programs. Eleven specific recommendations target changes or additions to local school district and state level policies and procedures. Implementation suggestions are provided, and charts are included. (JHP)