Standardized Testing / An ERIC - Based Literature Review
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A 5 page literature review of standardized testing articles appearing in the ERIC database for educational information. The review includes the inability for educators to reach agreement on the extent of the usefulness of standardized testing and includes information on the growth of such testing following the 1983 publication of A Nation at Risk. Since that time, testing has been integrated to seek both academic and psychological achievement and functioning, and has been used to both promote and hinder efforts of school reform. Bibliography lists 12+ sources.
Filename: Ericlit.wps

An Analysis of New Social Studies Education Standards
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A 9 page analysis that examines the new social studies education standard proposed by the state of Michigan. Included is the proposed standardized curriculum for both teachers and students and the expectations that will be required to pass a standardized examination upon completion. The potential value of the program is outlined, as well as potential problems for both teachers and students that could result from this plan. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: LCSocial.wps

Social Studies' Place in Elementary Education
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A 10 page paper discussing the importance of including social studies in elementary education. One of the goals of social studies education has been to lead students to the point that they can be both critical and reflective thinkers, but that focus traditionally has been only marginally at the junior high school level and has been reserved primarily for high school and college. Studies ranging in age from very new to 30 years old have all found that this population consistently has been disappointing in the level of critical thinking that they have been able to achieve when social studies education begins in earnest in junior high school. One obvious possible solution is to begin social studies in earnest in elementary school rather than keep it as only a passing subject that is only briefly addressed. Bibliography lists 7 sources.
Filename: Socstud.doc