This guide is designed for K-12 teachers, administrators, and local curriculum committees to help them clarify the purposes of social studies and use constructive strategies for instructional improvement. It is based on the ideas that social studies is basic to the education of citizens and that social studies curricula ought to be determined locally within the framework of state law. There are nine chapters. The first chapter discusses the purpose of the guide. A definition of social studies and basic sources of information upon which social studies teachers may draw are provided in chapter two. Chapter three discusses how to develop a social studies curriculum at the local level. The fourth chapter examines basic assumptions--values, controversy, and social studies--to consider when developing rationales for social studies programs. Goals and objectives and how to develop a K-12 sequence for social studies are the topics of chapters five and six. Chapter seven discusses resources for and types of social studies learning activities. How to select instructional materials and evaluation techniques are dealt with in chapters eight and nine. The appendix cites resources for social studies teachers including national organizations, organizations specific to Missouri, and museums and historic sites. (Author/RM)