The National Institute for Curriculum Development (SLO) in the Netherlands originated in 1975 to evaluate and redesign existing curricula and to coordinate programs at various levels. The SLO Humanities department, which includes the subjects of geography, history, and economics, has been engaged in curriculum development in lower vocational and general secondary education programs. This group produces both theoretical publications and practical curriculum guides on such subjects as the family, mass-media, and vandalism. A primary goal of the SLO has been to improve the social and political relevance of education through the introduction of a compulsory course in the last two years of secondary education called Maatschappijleer. A primary basis of this course is that while human thoughts and actions are influenced by society, we can learn to think autonomously and have an impact on the circumstances of our lives through choices. As a result, Maatschappijleer is defined as social and political education designed to train students to learn to live together harmoniously in a democratic and humane manner. The SLO recommends a thematic teaching approach based on introductions to social and political issues. (JHP)