Delay Persists in Social Studies Reform, But Signs Point to Headway Just Ahead.

There are two currents of social studies reform. One involves the search for an appropriate social studies core and is spearheaded by state governments and scholarly organizations. The second reform movement flows toward a social studies curriculum based on urgent domestic issues and the realities of global interdependence. The cross-purposes of these two reform currents seem to contribute to the continuing confusion about what should be taught, how, and for what reason. A revised social studies core that stresses preparation for citizenship through history, civics, and geography has emerged from the push for a revised core curriculum. On the other hand, the issues-oriented reform movement has tended toward a balkanization of the social studies program, with thousands of minicourses and study units being developed. From the many proposed curriculum reforms, common themes have emerged, including: (1) a clear commitment to democratic values; (2) knowledge of local and national heritage; (3) understanding the form and function of government and the economy; (4) a need to engage in more active civic participation; (5) a strong emphasis on active learning; and (6) an appreciation of other cultures and value systems. These broad areas of consensus lead to a cautious optimism that social studies reform will come of age. (SM)