The past few years have been difficult beyond imagination for all of us. And we are now seeing data that shows how across educational topics, our learners are struggling greatly. With the recent release of test scores from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a rigorous national examination administered by the Department of Education, many experts are deeply concerned about our learners’ understanding of social studies and civics topics.

Eighth grade social studies test scores have dropped to an all-time low.  As described in the above NYT article, “only 6 percent of students could explain in their own words how two ideas from the Constitution were reflected in the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.” Only 22 percent of students were considered proficient in civics topics. The fights about curricula and the drastic differences across states and even school districts only magnify the other struggles we’ve had with burnout, mental health challenges, and economic concerns (including underfunding of schools and other educational resources).  But our approach to teaching and learning about social studies, including history, civics, and political science, both reflects and is influenced by our values as citizens. It is part of our responsibility to raise our young people with the tools they need to be active and informed citizens, and the topics we learn in social studies are key to these goals.

A big question that many communities are wrestling with is how we ought to teach and disseminate our history, as well as how we should frame current issues in society, like social justice and civil rights.  Many areas, like the District of Columbia (where the nation’s Capitol is located), are updating their standards to include anti-racism, civic engagement, and media literacy instruction and topics.  Meanwhile, Florida is one of several states attempting to censor the teaching of diverse experiences and perspectives in social studies, claiming that this is indoctrination and anti-Americanism.  Even states like California have local conflicts over the inclusion of notable historical figures like Harvey Milk (believed to be the first openly gay politician elected to office in that state) in curricula. 

In this series of blog posts, I will identify some key types of conflicts and how they connect to our current political climate, then explore solutions. I will cover topics like news and media bias, political polarization, social justice and civil rights, and ways for us to learn about difficult topics, as well as more based on your inputs.

I also want to hear from you!  What are some things you’ve seen happening in your communities regarding social studies conversations?  What are some questions you have about this, whether related to education or to general civic life?  What are topics you want to learn more about and share with your learners?  Please comment below or reach out through our Contact Form.

Dr. Sabrina M. Weiss is an instructor with Dayla Learning who specializes in teaching ethics, social issues, and interdisciplinary science and technology.