Evaluate elementary social studies curriculum

The purpose of this study is to evaluate Elementary Social Studies Curriculum initiated in March 2, 1998 by the Curriculum and Instruction Department of the Ministry of National Education of Turkey. Elementary grade and social studies teachers' perceptions related to curriculum were used to evaluate the program. A survey instrument was utilized to determine teachers' perceptions. The population of this study is composed of all grade and social studies teachers working at 27 elementary schools of the province of Uşak. The sample of the study includes 132 grade and 32 social studies teachers working at 20 elementary schools in the province of Uşak. Teachers were asked to respond to items related to written objectives of social studies curriculum, content of the curriculum, instructional methods mentioned in the curriculum, and instructional materials. About half of the teachers participated in the study were supportive of curriculum. The other half believed that the objectives of the curriculum had not been not actualized. About 71 percent of teachers reported difficulties implementing the curriculum. Like wise, 73 percent of teachers indicated that the curriculum needed some improvements and changes. The perceptions of male teachers, teachers whose work experience ranges from 6 to 10 years, teachers who graduated from a teacher collage, and grade teachers were more supportive of the curriculum than the perceptions of female teachers, teachers whose work experience is less than 6 years or more than 10 years, teachers who were not graduated from a teacher collage, and teachers who teach social studies. It was concluded that the curriculum would not be implemented as it was planned since it did not received enough support from the teachers. Without a high degree of support from teachers, it is hard to believe that the curriculum objectives will be met.