This commentary is a response to Larsen and Harrington's article titled "Developing a Learning Progression for Place" (2018). Within the author focuses on the development of learning progressions in geography and future research directions. [For "Developing a Learning Progression for Place" by Thomas B. Larsen and John A.…

The purpose of this short article is to offer a critical perspective on Larsen and Harrington's ambitious and stimulating review article. It does so by drawing a distinction between teaching and learning and discussing how progression metaphors for describing the latter can distort the moral purpose of the former. My response to the provocation…

Maintains that local school districts will soon be confronted with the task of implementing national standards in geography, history, civics, and government. Asserts that the geography community needs strong partners among teachers' unions and other educational organizations. (CFR)

Contends that, despite recent successes, the geographic education community faces serious problems based on its failure to create and maintain strategies for effect preservice teacher education. Argues that a broad cooperative program involving teachers, school district officials, geographic educators, and the community is a potential remedy. (CFR)

Contends that recent progress in improving geography instruction at the precollegiate level is not yet reflected at the college level. Maintains that a successful effort to create consensus guidelines for college geography majors would enhance geography's reputation as a science discipline and improve student skills and creativity. (CFR)

Asserts that improvement of curriculum and instruction in geography must include the integration of spatial technologies. Argues the future requires the development of exemplary curriculum materials, a greater network of users, distribution of hardware and software to teachers, and agreement about ethics in information processing. (CFR)

Asserts that geography is an ideal discipline for environmental education. Argues that geographers study the environment in four major ways: (1) the natural environment; (2) the impact of human behavior on the environment; (3) environmental influences on human behavior; and (4) the landscape. (CFR)

Maintains that the choice of geography as one of the core subjects in the America 2000 and Goals 2000 reform plans provides an opportunity to increase its role in the school curriculum. Argues that those who chose geography have a different view of the discipline than professional geographers. (CFR)

Asserts that full implementation of the national geographic standards will require their adoption by all states and school districts. Discusses the role of professional associations and teacher education in the implementation process. Maintains that the national standards provide the geography education community a unique opportunity. (CFR)

Asserts that the national geography standards must be relevant to everyone associated with educational reform. Argues that the special advantage enjoyed by geography during the Reagan-Bush administrations is slipping away. Suggests that one way for geography to demonstrate its relevance is to strengthen its ties with environmental education. (CFR)

Contends that the National Geographic Society's Geography Education Program continues to work on improving geography instruction and learning. Outlines future activities of the National Geographic Society including urban outreach and technology training. (CFR)

Argues that geography education lacks empirical data that might inform and underpin decisions about standards setting, curriculum design, materials development, teaching strategies, and assessment procedures. Identifies four needs: (1) a new attitude toward research; (2) baseline studies; (3) a research agenda; and (4) a research clearinghouse.…

Contends that geographic education has received increased attention during the past decade from professional geographers, K-12 educators, and the general public. Reviews current efforts and future directions of geographic education and states that all geographic educators share the responsibility for continuing the progress of the reform movement.…