Education Commons^™

Preserving The Social Studies As Core Curricula In An Era Of Common Core Reform, David Denton

SPU Works

Education reform over the last two decades has changed perceptions of core curricula. Although social studies has traditionally been part of the core, emphasis on standards-based teaching and learning, along with elaborate accountability schemes, is causing unbalanced treatment of subjects. While the research literature indicates teachers are spending less time on social studies, perceptions about the subject are more complicated. Some educators accept the value of social studies knowledge and skills, while others see it as an auxiliary subject for supporting test achievement. Integration is one way elementary school teachers reconcile the need to focus on tested disciplines, while holding …