This document offers a guide to enhance the quality of Michigan social studies teaching. The document draws on two sources, "A Vision of Powerful Teaching and Learning in the Social Studies" (National Council for the Social Studies) and "A Guide to Authentic Instruction and Assessment: Vision, Standards and Scoring" (Newmann, Secada, and Wehlage) to create six standards that blend the elements of both powerful and authentic social studies instruction. Part 1 presents a definition for each standard. Part 2 provides a scoring guide designed to stimulate reflection about powerful and authentic social studies among teachers working collegially in small groups, teams, or departments to improve their craft. The six standards defined are: (1) higher order thinking; (2) deep knowledge; (3) substantive conversation; (4) connections to the world beyond the classroom; (5) ethical valuing; and (6) integration. Includes the Lesson Score Sheet. (EH)