It is necessary to start with a grounding culture – the common American culture – before one can begin to look outward at the various cultures of the world. Without valid criteria, all we have are sets of data, lists of characteristics, and multiple perspectives. But in order to make meaningful comparisons, one must have a standard – a point of reference – as a base for study. In fact, these other standards are never mentioned in the NCSSS document.Ī general criticism we have about the NCSS standards is that they lack a “standard.” That is, much of the content aims at student inquiry and making active comparisons. There does not seem to be any particular connection of the NCSS standards to those in economics, geography, history, and civics/government. In short, the NCSS standards are general and broad in nature, in contrast to the other standards we have reviewed in individual disciplines – which are much more content specific. The NCSS curriculum standards instead provide a set of principles by which content can be selected and organized to build a viable, valid, and defensible social studies curriculum.” The NCSS standards therefore “address issues that are broader and deeper than the identification of content specific to a particular discipline.” provide a detailed description of content and methodology considered central to a specific discipline.
The NCSS standards “provide a framework for professional deliberation and planning about what should occur in a social studies program in grades pre-K through 12.” NCSSS distinguishes between curriculum standards and content standards. NCSSS states that “the revised standards do not represent a set of mandated outcomes or an attempt to establish a national social studies curriculum.” NCSS started a re-examination of the standards in 2007, and the current National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSSS) is dated 2013. The revised frameworks in grades PreK – 12 broaden the historical narrative by including marginalized groups and encourage students to learn more about all members of their communities through the inquiry process.The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) published its first “National Standards” document in 1994. The grades 6 and 7 frameworks address the same six content standards, but are scheduled for revisions beginning in the 2020-2021 school year. Using the same inquiry based approach, the revised secondary social studies frameworks offer the opportunity for in-depth study of Grade 8 United States History, American Government, High School United States History, and Modern World History. Additionally, elementary social studies prepares students to meet the challenge of secondary social studies content and supports literacy development across subject areas.
Learning how to evaluate sources of information, craft arguments based on evidence, and take informed action helps students develop their civic identity and voice.
Through the study of history, geography, economics, and civics, students learn to interact with, and contribute to the world in which they live. The elementary frameworks provide the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for young students to become empowered, informed, and socially responsible citizens.