One of the biggest developments in social studies advocacy this month has been the launch of the Learn From History Coalition, led by the Stand for Children Leadership Center and with National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) as one of its inaugural partners. This is a fast-growing, influential group. On several recent web conferences with other organizations, I described NCSS’ interest in Learn From History and how it responds to the current push for “divisive concepts” legislation and “anti-anti-racism” communications spreading everywhere from state legislatures to school boards nationwide. Typically, after I describe why Learn From History is here at a critical moment and supports educators, other organizations step forward with their own interest in joining the coalition, so its membership is growing at rather quickly. I invite you to explore our NCSS Advocacy page (look for “Resources”) and download the four Learn From History toolkits and guides posted there. In just this short month, Learn From History has published information and talking points for parents, teachers, school system leaders, and school board members. More resources are coming soon. 

In fact, that’s what I’m writing about today. The next resource comes from you!

Learn From History just launched a brief survey, “Share Your Story.” Here’s their summary, and why your stories are being collected:

“As students return to the classroom, educators continue to navigate the new realities of teaching during a deadly global pandemic. But in certain places, educators now face a whole new set of restrictions that have nothing to do with keeping students safe. Several state legislatures around the country have recently passed legislation crafted to censor educators, including banning them from teaching about the role that racism has played in our nation’s past and present. If your state or school district is being affected by politicians’ attempts to censor U.S. history in K-12 schools, we want to hear from you. The more we speak up about this issue, the more effectively we can show how this censorship is a detriment to students and their educations. When we asked high schoolers to share their thoughts about these new laws, one said it felt ‘dystopian’ and like she was being lied to. Another said she felt like her culture was being erased and silenced. Teachers and parents have also told us they’re worried about the harm these policies will cause, including a potential loss of state funding if educators “violate” these laws by mentioning race or racism. A high-quality public education includes learning an accurate, fact-based account of U.S. history. When students are given the opportunity to learn about mistakes and injustices committed in the past, they’re better equipped to work toward a more just future for everyone.”
 

When you finish your survey, you can request to be contacted directly by Learn From History. Learn From History is interested in how incidents of harm may affect different people in different ways. You can also note NCSS as the referring organization, so we know how many among our social studies community are interested in further advocacy leadership, and how Learn From History hopes to release a national report by mid-October, so stories are being collected now for the next two weeks.

You can follow Learn from History on Twitter, Facebook, and their website. Don’t forget to follow NCSS, as well! NCSS shares Learn From History updates via its own Twitter, Facebook, and website.

While you consider sharing your story with Learn From History, you are also invited to share your professional learning journey with us this fall at our 101st NCSS Annual Conference – now virtual and also expanded to include a full week of programming, from November 15-21! When you register, you can access to recorded sessions through Spring 2022, as well. Our theme, Solidarity in Social Studies, reinforces the essential notion that we are truly together, supporting each other, and providing ways to connect, learn, and lead in the social studies. 

In the next few weeks, I hope you get to share your story. Our vision of lifelong inquiry and informed civic action begins when we embrace and learn from accurate, fact-based history.