social studies education

Sadly, much too often, social studies courses are regarded as relatively unimportant subject matter, whether in elementary school, middle school, or high school. This perception leads to diminished attention paid to social studies as a serious subject area, yet in the overall development of the intellect of students, no other subject matter content holds as much promise. In the schools of 19th century America, it was a given that freedom, both individual and collective, depended on an educated citizenry. Civics, a cornerstone of the social studies, wasn't an afterthought; it was the point. But what has happened since then?

The consequences of a poor understanding and appreciation of social studies are everywhere. For example, survey after survey, as well as voting demographics show that only about half the registered voters actually vote in national elections. In studies of college students, upwards of 80% report they cheated on assignments and tests in high school. Many students seem to believe that the United States was at war with the Soviet Union in WWII, and some surveys indicate that less than half the citizenry can describe the freedoms stipulated in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.