Social Education January/February 2008

Social Education January/February 2008

Volume:72

Num:1

The Keys to the White House: Prediction for 2008

By Allan Lichtman

Students will comprehend the many factors that influence an election when they analyze why this successful prediction system forecasts a popular vote victory for the Democrats in 2008.

Summer Schedule and The Fishin' Season: Cartoons by Clifford Berryman

By Christine Blackerby

The two featured political cartoons will stir classroom debate on how presidential election campaigns are planned.

Teaching Historical Analysis and Thinking Using the Internet

By C. Frederick Risinger

The websites highlighted in this column offer lesson plans, activities, and resources for teaching students to analyze the past and make better decisions about the future.

High Quality Civic Education: What Is It and Who Gets It?

By Joseph Kahne, Ellen Middaugh

If our democracy is to fulfill its promise of enabling citizens to participate fully and equally, we must do more to address why schools often fail to provide equal access to civic learning opportunities.

Across the Color Line: Diversity, Public Education, and the Supreme Court

By Michelle Parrini

This review of key Supreme Court cases dealing with school integration can foster class discussion on racial progress and the role of the courts in determining educational policy.

Lessons from History: Defining Moments in the American Presidency and Foreign Policy

By Ann Claunch

A close look at two critical presidential moments of the twentieth century will help students grasp the significance of foreign policy in an election contest.

Crossing Borders, Building Bridges

By Gayle Y. Thieman

Through collaboration and involvement, we can meet the five critical challenges facing social studies educators today.

A Special Section: Natural Disasters

Addressing Student Trauma in the Wake of California Wildfires

By Valerie Ooka Pang, Marcelina Madueo, Miriam Atlas, Tamiko Stratton, Jennifer Oliger, Cindy Page

Although natural disasters occur with alarming frequency, most citizens are unprepared. The authors outline strategies for handling unexpected catastrophes and facilitating student healing.

How Schools Can Help: California Teachers Recall the Wildfires

By Dana Riggs, Marcelina Madueo, Miriam Atlas

Three San Diego teachers describe how sharing stories and volunteer work helped students recover from the wildfires and gain a greater sense of community.

Weathering Natural Disasters with a Net of Safety

By Ilene R. Berson, Michael J. Berson

With the right resources, teachers can foster safe and supportive environments for children coping with the trauma of natural disasters.