Concentration on Reading, Math Troubles Social Studies Educators

By Kathleen Kennedy Manzo

History and civics teachers saw a glimmer of promise arising from the horrific events of Sept. 11. As much of the nation rallied around the flag, politicians, pundits, and the public became engaged in perhaps the most substantive discussions in decades of the importance of social studies education and the role of schools in instilling democratic ideals and values.

Some educators and organizations, however, now say their hopes that schools would intensify their focus on the subjects are likely to be disappointed. Several states, they note, recently unveiled school improvement plans that omit social studies from accountability testing. Consequently, they fear that the subject area may get less attention, not more.

The National Council for the Social Studies is weighing in. Concerned that schools under pressure to raise test scores in reading and mathematics will downplay other subjects, the NCSS' board members are quickly crafting a national strategy to ensure their discipline's place as a...