In Fall 2022, the NCSS Board of Directors authorized a task force to "examine the current NCSS definition of social studies, determine if the definition needs to be revised, and, if yes, construct a revised definition of social studies to be considered by the NCSS Board of Directors."

In Winter 2022, all NCSS Affiliated Councils, Associated Groups, and Special Interest Communities were invited to nominate individuals to serve on the Definition of Social Studies Task Force. All nominees to this task force were invited to take part. 

After meeting for two months, the task force recommended that the current definition of social studies, written in 1994, be revised. The task force provided a draft of a revised definition, purpose, and the disciplines below. The draft below is intended to focus on the "what" and the "why" of social studies, rather than how social studies should be taught. NCSS remains committed to the inquiry-based pedagogy found within the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards and recently revised "Powerful Teaching and Learning in the Social Studies" Position Statement as our public position on best practices when teaching social studies.

Recommended Changes

Definition: Social Studies is the study of individuals, people, and communities through time and place by analyzing evidence from multiple sources.

Purpose: Social Studies helps students to navigate the world. By exploring the past, participating in the present, and looking toward the future, Social Studies prepares learners for a life-long practice of civil discourse and civic engagement in their communities and the world.

Disciplines: Social Studies includes but is not limited to courses such as anthropology, archaeology, economics, ethnic studies, geography, history, indigenous studies, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, religious studies, sociology, and other courses that study diverse human experiences.

As part of the process, the task force seeks stakeholder input on the proposed changes. We encourage all social studies education stakeholders to submit feedback and we will accept feedback for 14 days using the form below. At the end of the 14 days, all comments will be shared with the task force for their consideration as they prepare a final version to present to the Board of Directors.

Please take time to provide your thoughts and suggestions about the draft provided. We appreciate your time and commitment to social studies and social studies education.