News and Advocacy
On the Development of State Social Studies Standards
Submitted by TimDaly on Mon, 03/29/2010 - 3:33pmThe revision of the Texas social studies standards is generating hot debate and strong opinions, and this is no surprise. Because the subjects that compose social studies touch upon cultural, societal and political topics, social studies generates the most controversy when decisions are made regarding what is taught to students. It is important, therefore, that the development of standards for social studies relies on strong scholarship rather than politics. --> read more »
Historians speak out against proposed Texas textbook changes
Submitted by Jordan Grote on Thu, 03/18/2010 - 3:38pmEducation Brief, Washington Post
March, 18. 2010
Historians speak out against proposed Texas textbook changes
By Michael Birnbaum
Historians on Tuesday criticized proposed revisions to the Texas social studies curriculum, saying that many of the changes are historically inaccurate and that they would affect textbooks and classrooms far beyond the state's borders. --> read more »
Call for Public Comment: National Standards for High School Psychology Curricula
Submitted by TimDaly on Wed, 03/17/2010 - 8:12pmThe APA National Standards Working Group has posted the revised National Standards for High School Psychology Curricula (Draft, 2010) for review and comment. --> read more »
Historian Howard Zinn Dies at 87
Submitted by TimDaly on Fri, 01/29/2010 - 1:50pmHistorian Howard Zinn, author of A People's History of the United States and keynote speaker at the 2008 NCSS Annual Conference, died this week at the age of 87. Following are obituaries from several sources.
Introducing the NCSS Online Teachers' Library
Submitted by TimDaly on Tue, 10/27/2009 - 9:52amThe NCSS Online Teachers’ Library U.S. History Collection is a new benefit created by your professional organization, NCSS, in response to members’ requests. --> read more »
Constitution Day
Submitted by TimDaly on Mon, 09/14/2009 - 9:36pm
"The Constitution is the most important document in our nation's history. It continues to guide and protect each of us in our daily lives more than 200 years after it was drafted. When you freely express or publish your opinions, when you write to your elected officials, when you worship at the church of your choice or when you exercise your right to bear arms, you can do so because of the protections afforded by the Constitution and our founding fathers. As a teacher and lifelong student of government, I believe it is vital for all American students to understand and appreciate the meaning of the Constitution as the foundation for our nation and our government."
A special message to social studies teachers from U.S. Rep. Harry E. Mitchell
Congressional District 5, Arizona
Former Government Teacher, Tempe High School
NBPTS announces its public review period for the Social Studies-History Standards
Submitted by TimDaly on Mon, 07/20/2009 - 3:47pm
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) announces its public review period for the Social Studies-History Standards. The standards were developed by a committee of educators from the social studies/history field. Practicing classroom teachers fill a majority of seats on standards committees with other members representing districts, states and higher education.
--> read more »
Background on Obama's Selection for Education Secretary
Submitted by Ben McClenahan on Wed, 12/17/2008 - 11:10amPlease see the attached background sketch from Washington Partners of President-elect Obama's selection for Secretary of Education--the current Superintendent of Chicago public schools Arne Duncan.
