The revised standards, like the earlier social studies standards published in 1994, continue to be structured around the ten themes of social studies. However, the revised standards offer a sharper focus on: (1) Purposes; (2) Questions for Exploration; (3) Knowledge: what learners need to understand; (4) Processes: what learners will be capable of doing; and (5) Products: how learners demonstrate understanding. The revised standards also include: (1) Enhancements in the descriptions of the ten themes and the associated learning expectations; (2) The addition of new descriptions of standards-based class practices to time-tested descriptions that were included in the original edition of the standards; (3) A stronger focus on student products and their assessment; and (4) An updated list of essential social studies skills and strategies, including literacy strategies. Following the Preface by Steven A. Goldberg, the following chapters are included in this book: (1) Introduction; (2) The Ten Themes of Social Studies; (3) Purposes, Questions for Exploration, Knowledge, Process, and Products; (4) Learning Expectations: Early Grades; (5) Learning Expectations: Middle Grades; and (6) Learning Expectations:High School. Appended are: (1) Essential Social Studies Skills and Strategies; and (2) Essential Social Studies Skills and Strategies.