Using the NCSS National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies: A Framework for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment To Meet State Social Studies Standards

Got Standards? Of course! According to A Report on the State of U.S. History Education, State Policies and National Programs as of September 2008 , “Fortyeight states and the District of Columbia have established academic standards to address academic achievement in history, the social sciences, or social studies. The sole exceptions are Iowa and Rhode Island which allow local jurisdictions to set the history/social studies curriculum.” The report also reveals tremendous divergence in the breadth, depth, purpose, and use of state standards across the nation. Some provide broad guidelines with few curriculum or assessment mandates. Some focus almost entirely on specific content with little attention to critical thinking skills and applications. And while many states use their adopted standards to drive assessment, instruction, and instructional materials, others utilize state standards as recommendations to allow for local interpretation and control.