January 17, 2007

On behalf of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and its more than 25,000 members, we would like to congratulate you on your election to the 110th Congress and thank you for your service. We look forward to working with you and your colleagues as you address federal policy issues that affect social studies educators over the next two years.

NCSS defines social studies as “the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence.” The mission of the Council is to provide leadership, service and support for all social studies educators. These educators provide students with knowledge and historical perspective, intellectual skills and civic values needed to fulfill the duties of citizenship in a participatory democracy.

Founded in 1921, NCSS has grown to be the largest association in the country devoted solely to social studies education. NCSS engages and supports educators in strengthening and advocating for the social studies. With members in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 69 foreign countries, NCSS serves as an umbrella organization for elementary, secondary, and college teachers of history, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and law-related education. Organized into a network of more than 110 affiliated state, local, and regional councils and associated groups, the NCSS membership represents K-12 classroom teachers, college and university faculty members, curriculum designers and specialists, social studies supervisors, and leaders in the various disciplines that constitute the social studies.

As you are undoubtedly aware, the 110th Congress intends to address the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), currently known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB). It is a law that has had an enormous impact on public education throughout the nation and has brought vital focus to the need to define school wide academic success as success for every child. NCSS wholeheartedly endorses this goal but believes the law can be both strengthened and improved.

Last year, the Center on Education Policy (CEP) released its fourth annual report on the implementation of NCLB. “From the Capital to the Classroom: Year 4 of the No Child Left Behind Act.” Results of the survey on which the report was based indicated that implementation of No Child Left Behind has brought both positive and negative results to schools nationwide. NCSS is particularly troubled by one finding: One-third (33 percent) of school districts surveyed reported reducing time for social studies “somewhat or to a great extent” to make time for reading and math, while 29 percent said they had reduced time for science and 22 percent for art and music. This is clearly an unintended consequence of NCLB and one that deserves the attention of policy makers.

NCSS is concerned that social studies is getting short shrift in the classroom as teachers and administrators focus almost exclusively on achievement test results in math and reading. If American students are to succeed in the global market place of the 21st Century, it is the teaching of social studies, science and other core disciplines that will serve as the means to stimulate interest in academics and prepare students for their roles as citizens.

The National Council for the Social Studies looks forward to working with you and your staff on this important issue during reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as well as the consideration of other policy matters important to social studies educators.

If we can assist you or your staff as education issues are considered, please do not hesitate to contact Susan Griffin at 301.588.1800, ext. 103 or at sgriffin@ncss.org.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

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