To the Editor:
As Congress turns its attention to the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, with a goal of preparing all students for college and career, it’s important to realize that it takes more than literacy and math skills for students to be successful citizens, ready to face the complex challenges of the 21st century.
Events around the world increasingly demand informed and engaged adults who are critical thinkers and problem-solvers—attributes that require the knowledge and skills found in the teaching of civics, economics, geography, history, psychology, sociology, philosophy, and the humanities.
To that end, the National Council for the Social Studies, the largest association devoted solely to social studies education, is advocating, together with the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, that social studies education be included in all schools across America.
As part of the ESEA reauthorization, we believe that Congress and the Obama administration can and should provide competitive grants that support the development and dissemination of innovative, engaging approaches to teaching social studies that include history, civics, geography, and economics.
It’s time for Congress to act. The future of our communities, our nation, and our world depends upon it.
Michelle Herczog
President
National Council for the Social Studies
Silver Spring, Md.
