Innovative Social Studies: Urban Elementary Schools, known as ISSUES, is a social studies program actively pursuing the profound social problems of our times by daily student involvement with solutions as part of the curriculum. Upper elementary and junior high students increase their understanding in active participation in community problem solving in the inner city as a realistic means of learning more about oneself, the community and its government. The teaching process emphasizes the community as a source book in sociology and psychology to increase psycho-social development, reflective inquiry, and use of interdisciplinary content in writing units. Activities in four different formats (micro-explanatory step-by-step, reflective inquiry and narrative summary) are outlined. General procedures and activities are suggested for both in and out of school. Topics of the units include the following: interviewing friends; shopping centers; TV news and weather reports; analysis of black radio stations; and juvenile crime. A list of predicted program outcomes and concepts in sociology, psychology, problem solving, economics, community and government conclude the guide. (Author/KSM)