This article will analyze where the Amherst Project stood within the evolution of educational thinking since the early twentieth century and then show in detail how its activities developed fromits inception in 1959 to publication of the last pamphlet in 1972. The Amherst Project began among a group of instructors from Amherst High School and…

Asserts that the study of history involves more than the passive absorption facts, dates, names, and places. Maintains that real historical understanding requires students to engage in historical thinking, to raise questions, and to marshal evidence. Describes skills for five types of historical thinking. (CFR)

National History Day is an opportunity for friendly competition and esprit d'corps, the topic of which in 1984 is family and community. Results of the 1983 national competition are discussed, with particular emphasis on how New England schools fared. (IS)

Described is History Day, a national program that encourages middle and secondary students to research a subject of interest to them. Students acquire research skills and a knowledge of history as they prepare papers, projects, and performances for competition. How one Georgia high school participated in the program is discussed. (RM)

Discusses the agenda of the five-year bicentennial celebration of the U.S. Constitution. Emphasizes the importance of teacher planning, education, and enthusiasm to the success of the program. Stresses the need for making students aware of the constitutional legacy of the United States. (GEA)

The National History Day Program (NHDP) is designed to promote student competency and interest in carrying out original research while improving student achievement and critical thinking skills. Students select a topic, conduct research, and prepare a presentation for regional, state, and national competitions. The present research focused on…

This overview of nationwide bicentennial efforts with particular relevance for elementary and secondary educators deals with three apsects of the commemoration. First discussed is the programming that national organizations, such as the Commission on the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution, Project '87, The American Bar Association (ABA), and…

Argues that the high public interest in contemporary international issues has opened a window of opportunity for effecting change in the national global-studies curriculum. Develops guidelines that summarize what concerned scholars and educators recommend as the international dimension of education for K-12 students. Includes an extensive topical…

The Exploring America's Communities (EAC) project, sponsored by the American Association of Community Colleges, involved 41 competitively-selected community colleges working to strengthen the teaching and learning of American history, literature, and culture on their campuses. Published as part of the project, these four newsletters describe the…

Maintains that over 50 years ago the American Historical Association began to reshape history and social education. Asserts that only recently have professional historians begun to become reinvolved in history instruction in the schools. Describes the efforts to create National History Standards in both world and U.S. history. (CFR)

An overview of the final five monthly programs in the American Issues Radio Forum series broadcast by the member stations of the National Public Radio System is presented. These broadcasts started in September 1975 and continued to May 1976. They formed a "live" rational dialogue, focusing upon issues which have confronted America. Each…

This listener's guide introduces the first four of nine monthly programs in the American Issues Radio Forum series that were braodcast by the member stations of the National Public Radio system. These broadcasts started in September 1975 and continued to May 1976. They formed a "live" national dialogue, focusing upon issues which have…

Students in grades six to 12 who participate in National History Day may write a paper, develop an individual or group project or performance, or develop a media presentation on the topic of their choice related to the annual theme. Professional historians judge the entries. The program and its benefits are described. (RM)

Criticizes the National History Standards for attempting to cover too much material and burdening teachers with unrealistic objectives and expectations. Recommends a closer coordination of educational objectives with historical material in an attempt to clarify the standards and make them more effective. (MJP)

Maintains that the National History Standards are a collaboration among classroom teachers, scholars, and curriculum specialists. Discusses the process used to develop the history standards. Asserts that the most contentious issue was the treatment of western civilization in the presentation of historical criteria. (CFR)