“Why are people marching?” Given today’s level of activism, this is a plausible question many students may have. Although only some students voice the questions, it is very likely that many more have pondered why people are protesting after seeing reports of events such as the Women’s March (equality for women), March for Our Lives (about gun control), Black Lives Matter (for racial justice), Janitors March (for fair pay), and Keep Families Together (demanding the Trump administration reunite immigrant families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border). As elementary teachers, our subsequent…

The revised standards for the preparation of social studies teachers address the purposes of social studies education in a democratic society and the kinds of knowledge, skills, and dispositions teachers need to accomplish these objectives.

In order to promote inclusive social studies, this article describes how upper-level elementary students can learn about the Women’s Suffrage Movement and how it intersects with the experiences of other marginalized Americans persevering to obtain the right to vote.

Teaching about Title IX presents rich opportunities to involve students in inquiry-based learning that examines the legacy of this groundbreaking legislation.

Letter regarding Why Do We Still Have the Electoral College? from the October 2020 issue and responses by the article's authors. 

In the past three issues of this newsletter, I have written about the NCSS Strategic Plan. This column continues with thoughts about Priority #4—Inclusiveness.   “NCSS encourages, promotes and ensures inclusiveness that reflects society and strengthens civic life.” In 2018 this priority looms greater almost daily. How does a diverse national organization like NCSS fulfill this priority constructively and without offending or upsetting members, legislatures, parents, and the public?   We are a very diverse nation with educators supporting a variety of causes. The quote “you can’t please…

James A. Banks, Peter Cookson, Geneva Gay, Willis D. Hawley, Jacqueline Jordan Irvine, Sonia Nieto, Janet Ward Schofield, and Walter G. StephanThis team of scholars outlines twelve essential principles relating to diversity that can help educational practitioners increase student academic achievement and improve intergroup relations.41

This latest article in a series commemorating NCSS’s 100th anniversary surveys the association’s efforts, actions, programs, and statements in furtherance of its commitment to upholding diverse voices and perspectives.

As young children engage in their play and daily activities, they show a natural interest in the world around them. Early childhood educators may capitalize on these interests and carefully plan a variety of experiences with social studies in mind, cultivating and extending young children’s diverse skills and abilities to form and voice opinions, identify and solve problems, negotiate roles, perceive diversity and inequality, and recognize the consequences of their decisions and behaviors on others. Social studies is a vital part of the early childhood curriculum, since children’s formative…