The Marginalization of Social Studies

The Marginalization of Social Studies

College, Career, and Civic Life

Marginalization

Research consistently demonstrates that social studies receives the least amount of instructional time in the elementary grades when compared to the amount of time afforded to other core content areas. The Social Studies Collaborative believes that social studies helps prepare students for civic life and that the marginalization of social studies in the early grades is an issue of equity for all students.

Open Ended

What is one way social studies is marginalized in middle school or even high school?

No Child Left Behind

44 % of Districts surveyed have reduced times for social studies since No Child Left Behind

Marginalization

Research demonstrates that social studies receives the least amount of time in elementary grades

Civic Engagement

Preparation for Civic Life was the primary purpose for establishing public schools in the United States

Multiple Choice

Which core subject received the most time out of all the other subjects?

• Science

• Math

• Social Studies

• English

Double Barrel Marginalization

Students in low income communities have less access to social studies instruction in elementary school

Strong in Reading

Poor readers with strong background knowledge display better reading comprehension than strong readers with low background knowledge.

History helps with Reading

2nd graders who had 60 lessons of literacy-rich social studies instruction scored 23% higher on reading assessments

Open Ended

What is the perspective gap and how does it play a role in society?