Magruder's American Government

• Unit 1: Foundations of America Government
• Unit 2: Political Behavior: Government by the People
• Unit 3: Legislative Branch
• Unit 4: The Executive Branch
• Unit 5: The Judicial Branch
• Unit 6: Comparative Politcial and Economic Systems
• Unit 7: Participating in State and Local Government

• Respected, relevant, and reliable Recognized for its clear, well-written narrative, Magruder's uses a variety of methods to make content accessible to all students.
• Connect government to students' lives Show students how government affects them with compelling features such as Enduring Constitution timelines and You Can Make a Difference scenarios.
• Partnership with Close Up® Foundation, the nations's largest civic education organization Encourages students to get involved, analyze landmark Supreme Court cases, and use important primary source documents.

In developing Prentice Hall social studies programs, the use of research studies is a central, guiding element. Research indicated key elements of a social studies textbook program that ensure students success: support for reading, differentiated instruction, geographic literacy development, and an ongoing assessment strand. This research was conducted in several phases and continues today.

1. Exploratory Needs Assessment Research
   Along with periodic surveys concerning curriculum issues and challenges, we conducted specific product development research, which included discussions with teachers and advisory panels, focus groups, and quantitative surveys. We explored the specific needs of teachers, students, and other educators regarding the program we developed.
2. Research Base Underlying the Program
   During this phase of research, we identified essential components of successful social studies teaching and learning. Our experienced authorship team incorporated findings from the large body of available research to develop the instructional design of Prentice Hall programs.
3. Formative Research During Program Development
   During this phase, we worked to develop prototype materials. Then we tested the materials with qualitative and quantitative evaluations, including comments from content area specialists, administrators, teachers, and other reviewers. We received feedback about our instructional design in our early prototype testing. Results were channeled back into program development for improvement.
4. Ongoing Research on Program Effectiveness
   This phase of research asks the question, "Does the program really work?" It involves monitoring the program in the market over one or more years. We talk to our users about what works, and what can be improved, and then we begin the cycle over again.