The Social Studies in Alberta--1975: A Report of an Assessment.

Design implementation and classroom instruction of the Alberta, Canada, social studies curriculum master plan are assessed in this report. The objective of the study was to synthesize findings of investigative activities into a set of general conclusions from which recommendations could be developed. It was concluded that internal inconsistencies of the plan plus a lack of teacher awareness of its subtle intents have rendered it less useful than it ought to be. The following reasons are given for this weak translation of the Master Plan into programs: lack of time for program development, lack of resources, insufficient consultative services, and teacher incompetence in program development. To counteract these difficulties, nine recommendations are offered, including creation of an ad hoc task force to reassess and revise the master plan, revision of the documents of the master plan by the Department of Education, and encouragement of teachers to achieve a broader social studies repertoire and a better balance of classroom activities. The final judgment was that the social studies plan is commendable and highly acceptable in its major orientations and should be continued, with certain refinements. Five appendices discuss the background of the study; critique the master plan; provide the survey of teachers, students, and parents; assess the instructional programs; and present observations of site visits. Tables, charts, and questionnaires are included in the document. (Author/DB)