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Social Studies in Elementary School: A Thing of the Past?
September 16, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Think for a moment what it would be like to be an adult who has not learned about economics, geography, history or civics when in school. Envision a tomorrow for our country where the school systems dont commit to teaching the assorted customs and traditions our citizens enjoy. What future does our country face if our varied cultures cant find a common ground? Friends, Im afraid the aftermath of No Child Left Behind will make this future a reality.
Subject Restriction:
A phenomenon is upon us”albeit unintended” as a result of our focus on testing in schools. It is called curriculum narrowing. This consequence can be defined as a shift in focus to tested subjects like reading, writing and math, at the expense of non-tested subjects like social studies, science, PE, and the arts.
Instead of widening the alternatives for students, school districts are reducing the opportunities to teach students about the world they live in and to help them define their role in that world. Limiting the hours spent on subject such as social studies will most likely have troublesome repercussions our country will regret later, such as an unfamiliarity and complacency with the democratic ideals and processes that are necessary for a successful community.
If students of lower social-economic status are to have a base to succeed in a global economy, it is critical they receive the foundation taught through social studies in elementary school. For those middle or upper class students, a limited program in school will most likely result in less experiential learning, with the outcome that these students become bored and uninterested in school at an early age.
Unintended Consequences:
Curriculum narrowing has resulted in more than usual white upper and middle class children attending private or charter schools still committed to providing meaningful social studies and science curriculums. It is quite possible that this action is contributing to the re-emergence of segregated urban public schools in our country.
Public schools have a monumental opportunity to provide all students with an understanding of the value of their contribution to society and to their success in creating futures that they deem appropriate. Different cultures value different things, and success is relative to who we are as people. Still, building common ground is essential through the learning of social studies with peers in school.
Value of Cultural Literacy:
Good social studies instruction will result in cultural literacy. Cultural literacy, according to Wikipedia, means “the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence. According to Synapselearning, cultural literacy is the study of how people participate in society and how society operates. Through social inquiry children understand peoples role within society.
E.D. Hirsch, in a research project conducted in 1996, found that Joseph Pentony and others have shown that cultural literacy is highly correlated with academic achievement. Thomas Sticht and his associates have show that the level of cultural literacy is highly correlated with annual income.
Hirsch further reported in his study the ideas of Horace Mann, John Dewey and Thomas Jefferson regarding the need for cultural literacy. democracy required a common school to provide all children equally with the knowledge and skills that would keep them economically independent and free, claimed Thomas Jefferson.
Boosting Background Knowledge and Vocabulary Critical to Student Success:
New concepts are much easier to learn when a student is able to make a connection to something they already know. In short, knowledge grows more knowledge. Since middle and upper income students have a greater knowledge base when entering school, those in lower income brackets are struggling to keep up from day one. Cutting an essential subject such as social studies will make these students have an even more difficult time in building their vocabulary and knowledge skills.
The study of social studies is important because it should provides students with the knowledge they will need to live in our society. What could be more important than that? Yes, we need to know how to read, to write, and to do math! But, if we do not know how to live well in community with others, successfully within our society, where can we rightfully apply those skills?
Societal Significance:
Has the dominant white culture been successful in helping minority cultures excel in the U.S.? Not always! A social studies curriculum is essential to providing a foundation that makes discussions about how race and diversity have struggled possible. It is crucial to teach societally important social studies and strive to close the divides in culture through civics and history. Current events are the bridge to understanding the relevance of a social studies program”a dynamic chance to share opinions and create understanding of the relevant issues.
Understanding among the people of a society is what will bind those people together. This is accomplished through sSocial studies where students can learn early on many of these common understandings. Cutting the social studies curriculums in our schools will only lead to even more differences and misunderstanding between the divergent culures in our society, particularly in the area of socio-economic status. How can that be considered social justice?
Donna Newberg Long, aka Principal Donna has been in education for over 20 years. As the founding principal of 2 schools, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her counseling with teachers, principals and boards. Donna is available for mentoring services for start ups and schools in need of advice. Visit www.AskPrincipalDonna.com for more information or call 303.280.5220 to discuss your schools needs.
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