Social Studies Video

Updating Social Studies Expectations in the ‘Critical Race Theory’ Era

By Lauren Santucci & Stephen Sawchuk — January 3, 2023 5:23
Stephen EOY 2022 v1.00 00 14 13.Still001 BS

Education Week Assistant Managing Editor Stephen Sawchuk discusses the media organization’s coverage of debates over social studies, and states’ attempts to update content expectations for students.

Charges that new standards included critical race theory complicated the process in South Dakota, Louisiana, and New Mexico. Other states, like Texas, delayed the process, and still others, like Florida, introduced new training for teachers that included controversial statements about Christianity and the founding of the nation.

See Also

Photo of students pointing at map.
iStock / Getty Images Plus
Social Studies Writing Social Studies Standards: A (Dramatic) Year in Review
Ileana Najarro, December 23, 2022
4 min read

Lauren Santucci was a video producer for Education Week.
Stephen Sawchuk is an assistant managing editor for Education Week, leading coverage of teaching, learning, and curriculum.

Video

School & District Management Video ‘You’ll Make New Friends’: What Happens to Students When Their School Closes
How two middle schoolers managed uncertainty as their rural school closed its doors.
1 min read
Tacy Fridrych, 11, with her friends on the First day of school at Lisbon Middle School in Lisbon, North Dakota on August 31, 2026.
Tacy Fridrych, 11, with her friends on the first day of school at Lisbon Middle School in Lisbon, North Dakota on August 31, 2026.
Natalie Behring for Education Week
School Climate & Safety Video How One NYC School Experienced 9/11: An EdWeek Editor Recounts That Day
EdWeek's Kevin Bushweller recalls how the staff at a Manhattan public school reacted with resolute calm to upheaval.
Education Week Managing Editor. Sean Cavanagh (left) and Deputy Managing Editor Kevin Bushweller discuss how one New York City school experienced September 11, 2001.
Education Week Managing Editor. Sean Cavanagh (left) and Deputy Managing Editor Kevin Bushweller discuss how one New York City school experienced September 11, 2001.
Yi-Jo Shen for Education Week
Education Funding Video What's in Store for School Funding for 2026-27?
A new education tax credit, federal budget negotiations, and more are in store.
The U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. on Friday, July 17, 2026.
The U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Eric Lee for Education Week
Special Education Video Inside a Summer School Program for Special Education Students
Academic support offered between school years is especially important for students with learning differences.
1 min read
dipalermo esy illinois 12
Dominic Di Palermo for Education Week