The Bradley Commission on History in Schools was created in 1987 in response to concern over the inadequacy of the history taught in U.S. elementary and secondary classrooms. This history curriculum guideline was designed by the Bradley Commission to aid those responsible for making curricula related decisions to realize the manifest importance of developing and maintaining a vigorous history curriculum. The Commission recommends that: (1) historical studies should focus on thematic context and chronological perspective to develop critical judgment capabilities; (2) the curricular time required to develop genuine understanding in history programs be considerably greater than that currently allowed; (3) the K-6 social studies curriculum be history-centered; (4) no fewer than four years of history be required between grades 7 and 12; (5) this curriculum should include the historical experiences of peoples from all parts of the world and all constituent parts of those societies; and (6) a substantial program of history, with suitable structure and content, be required for certification of social studies teachers in middle and high schools. Thirty-two topics are suggested for the study of U.S. history, world civilization, and western civilization. Curricular patterns or course sequences are presented for both K-6 (three patterns) and middle and high schools (four patterns). Criteria for the examination of the structure, priority, and content of courses are also given. (PPB)