NCSS News Release

October 21, 2016

Contact: 

Ana Post
Director External Relations
and Council Communications
301.850.7655
apost@ncss.org

Lawrence Paska
Executive Director
301.588.1800
lpaska@ncss.org

Today, the U.S. Department of Education released new guidance, under the auspices of funding in Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (SSAE) of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), providing states, districts and schools with resources, tools and examples that will enable them to leverage the various sources of federal funding that can be used to support a well-rounded education, including teaching of the social studies. (See Department of Education Press Release)

The new grant program focuses on safe and healthy students, technology integration in teaching and learning, and access to a well-rounded education that includes a wide variety of disciplines – including music, the arts, social studies, environmental education, computer science and civics. NCSS is making the guidance document availble to its members, along with additional background information on its website, www.socialstudies.org.

This guidance document was first suggested by NCSS to the U.S. Department of Education as an expansion of similar guidance issued previously on the use of federal funds to support STEM education. NCSS is grateful to Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr. for his partnership and support of this new guidance document that encourages the use of federal funds to support high-quality social studies teaching and learning in classrooms throughout the country.

In a speech to the National Press Club on October 19, 2016, Secretary King recently discussed the important role of civic engagement in the social studies. (View Secretary King’s remarks here).

NCSS President Peggy S. Jackson said, “The importance of teaching our students at any age the efficacy of voting and the power of participatory democracy cannot be underestimated.  Our students, our children of any age, can quickly absorb the powers of the U.S. Constitution.  At this crucial time as we elect a new President, teachers must explain the branches of our government and the peaceful exchange of power we hope to have.  It is unique to the United States.”

NCSS Executive Director Lawrence Paska said, “We thank Congress and the U.S. Department of Education for highlighting the important role that the social studies plays every day in a well-rounded education. While many schools and communities continue to face limited resources to deliver a rigorous instructional program, the new non-regulatory guidance will help them to consider funding opportunities that preserve and enhance quality, expand social studies learning, and hopefully balance competing priorities.”

Founded in 1921, the National Council for the Social Studies has members throughout the United States and internationally. Membership includes K-16 classroom teachers, curriculum supervisors and specialists, curriculum writers and designers, and teacher educators. The NCSS serves as an umbrella organization for teachers of civics, history, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology and law-related education. For more information please visit www.socialstudies.org.

The NCSS annual conference is largest and most comprehensive social studies professional development conference where social studies educators share, interact, develop ideas, and enhance their skills. This year’s theme: Civic Learning and Cultural Inquiry in a Changing World, will offer more than 700 content-rich sessions covering all subjects and grade levels, a lineup of renowned speakers and education experts, and numerous exhibiting organizations displaying the latest in educational resources. For more information visit: http://www.socialstudies.org/conference.