Within the United States, education has long been valued as a means of fostering the growth and development of each person in order to realize the democratic ideals of freedom, equality, non-discrimination, and respect for the rights of all. In an increasingly globalized world and within the United States itself, this growth and development must…

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,…

On September 17, 2013 (Constitution Day), the C3 Framework was released under the title "The College, Career and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards: Guidance for Enhancing the Rigor of K-12 Civics, Economics, Geography, and History." The C3 Project Director and lead writer was NCSS member Kathy Swan, who is…

This article presents an open letter to President Barack Obama written by the author to express his concerns about the increasing emphasis on mathematics and science education along with the continued emphasis on reading/language arts while a fourth major curriculum area--social studies--is being marginalized by lack of funding and reduced…

The celebration and recognition of Constitution Day on September 17th is now required by federal law. The new law, known colloquially as the Byrd Amendment, requires all schools receiving any federal assistance, from kindergarten to higher education, to teach students about the Constitution on Constitution Day. The concept of a school's civic…

Examines the nature of the current crisis in citizenship as a series of crises which have converged around our vague conceptions of citizenship, challenging our core beliefs. Discusses these crises as intergenerational disjunctures, intellectual disjunctures, and semantic disjunctures. Suggests ways the social studies curriculum can overcome these…

At the heart of social studies education is the notion that social studies teachers teach core civic values that educate citizens and perpetuate democracy. The author of this article asserts that as the democratic system continues to evolve, technology is playing a greater role in how people learn and communicate. It makes sense, then, that social…

With the 2008 election quickly approaching, candidates continue the scramble to fund their campaigns--collecting money from individuals, corporations, and labor unions. Students can learn a great deal about the political system by examining how politicians are financed. The vast majority of high school students do not understand the influence of…

Presents a rationale and definition of service learning. Discusses the reasons why service learning is important for students in social studies education, particularly in relationship to citizenship education. Focuses on the benefits that service learning offers to students learning social studies. (CMK)

Educators respond to David Mathews's article addressing the need for teaching students to be civically competent. (RM)

Presents a statement from the National Council for the Social Studies that focuses on citizenship education. Includes a list of characteristics of an effective citizen and an effective citizenship program. Encourages educators to prepare students to assume their roles as U.S. citizens. (CMK)

This special section of "Social Education" deals with citizenship education and the role of the social studies in preparing citizens for the 21st century. Articles include Canadian viewpoints, ERIC documents pertaining to citizenship education, student journal writing, technology and the social studies, and a list of new social studies…

Asserts schools in contemporary society have lost their internal compass and reason for being. Argues primary goal of education is provide young people with common intellectual resources to participate productively, exert intellectual and political leadership, participate actively in democratic society. Argues social studies teachers must…

Examines the life of James Madison, Founding Father and "theoretic statesman." Focuses specifically on Madison's education and character, his friendship with Thomas Jefferson, and his civic legacy: a selfless devotion to republican government and union. (JDH)

Reviews the American Federation of Teachers' (AFT) report, EDUCATION FOR DEMOCRACY. States that while the AFT is to be commended for addressing the goal of citizenship education and furthering the ongoing debate, the report shows evidence of shoddy scholarship, dubious assumptions regarding curricular design, and nationalistic bias clothed in…