Offers a conception of the K-12 social studies curriculum based upon a probing treatment of problems, ideas, and values of democracy. Maintains that democracy must be practiced in the schools if effective democratic citizenship is expected. Offers four guidelines for curriculum development, and identifies seven curriculum strands. (JDH)

Reviews several societal, institutional, and practical reasons why the new social studies of the 1960s and 70s failed to supplant traditional textbook instruction in America's public schools. Many of the theoretical underpinnings of the inquiry approach are presented along with critical comments regarding the shortcomings of established expository…

Criticizes the National Commission on Social Studies in the Schools' report, "Charting a Course: Social Studies for the 21st Century." Questions the report's chronological exposition of history, exclusion of social problems until twelfth grade, emphasis on content, lack of selectivity, and declarative mood. Contends that, by ignoring…