This volume contains a comprehensive collection of chapters which have been organized around the critical decision-making areas of curriculum development or reform. The critical areas discussed are: the conceptual structure or framework; curriculum organization (i.e. sequential approach, interdisciplinary approach); behavioral objectives; program content; instructional strategies (i.e. inquiry, discovery, simulation); and, learning materials selection and development. The major emphasis of this book was the overall process of social studies curriculum planning, design, implementation and evaluation, including methodology, techniques, and models. Illustrative materials and curriculum plans from various research and development projects, and, extensive references for each topic area have been included. (SBE)