From the editor

Social Studies Review, Spring 2002 by Rocca, Al M

The horrific events of September 11, 2001 have forever left a indelible mark on all of our lives. Each of us has dealt with the tragedy in our personal and professional lives. I have been heartened to see so many leaders of our country, state and local government take the lead to rally the nation, and the people have responded. This is true in our classrooms as well. Teachers in the primary grades through high school have used September 11 as an opportunity to discuss national patriotism and, at the same time, teach an appreciation of diverse cultures. As social studies educators we need to take the lead in helping our students understand national tragedy and its impact on our lives.

As many of you know, Margaret "Peg" Hill, guest edited, our Fall/Winter issue on the content and pedagogy foundations for understanding social studies in the elementary school curriculum. Hill is an outstanding social studies educator and she put together a series of excellent articles that will help address the current problems and concerns that elementary teachers face in finding time and resources for social studies education.

I am excited to introduce Margaret Gosfield to the readers of the Social Studies Review. Gosfield is currently the editor of Gifted Education Communicator, the journal of the California Association for the Gifted. You will find this issue of the Review loaded with great ideas for addressing the needs of the gifted and talented in our classrooms.

--AI M. Rocca, Editor