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

This summary report assesses the design implementation and classroom instruction of the Alberta, Canada, social studies curriculum. The purpose of the study was to present a synthesis of findings from five investigative activities undertaken by a research association in Alberta: (1) review of the background of the program, (2) critiques of the master plan, (3) questionnaire survey of teachers, students, and parents, (4) analysis of locally developed programs, and (5) series of interviews, observations, and site visits. The study is presented in four chapters. Chapter I, The Questions, asks how appropriate and effective are the original master plan, the programs which have been developed at the local level, and the typical classroom situation. Chapter II, Summary of Conclusions and Supporting Evidence, broadly generalizes conclusions for the master plan, program development, and the classroom situation. Chapter III, Summary Judgments, presents a profile of attainment of educational objectives in the three sectors of the curriculum, and Chapter IV, Recommendations, suggests nine specific steps which might improve the project. It is concluded that the social studies program is consistent with emerging objectives of education but is not being effectively implemented. (Author/DB)