State Standards
Social Studies
Video
Updating Social Studies Expectations in the ‘Critical Race Theory’ Era
Always a focal point for controversy, updating what students should know in history class became especially charged in late 2021 and 2022.
Social Studies
Writing Social Studies Standards: A (Dramatic) Year in Review
This year proved to be politically fraught for revising state social studies standards. Take a look back at some major developments.
Social Studies
What's Really Going on in History Classrooms? A New Project Aims to Find Out
The American Historical Association is researching how secondary schools choose materials and instructional priorities.
Standards & Accountability
Political Debate Upends Texas Social Studies Standards Process
The Lone Star State is the latest to throw out a set of standards after conservative activists organized in opposition.
Curriculum
Sex Education: 4 Questions and Answers About the Latest Controversy
Why the touchy issue of sex education has erupted again, and what it means for schools.
Standards & Accountability
The Sex Ed. Battleground Heats Up (Again). Here's What's Actually in New Standards
Vocal opposition from some conservative groups has put a spotlight on schools’ instructional choices.
Curriculum
How the Overturning of 'Roe v. Wade' Will Reverberate Through Classrooms
Some teachers are looking for ways to address with students the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn the abortion rights precedent.
Social Studies
Revamped Florida Civics Education Aims for ‘Patriotism.’ Will It Catch On Elsewhere?
In what could be a model, Florida is now emphasizing patriotism, American exceptionalism, and—some critics say—religious themes.
Social Studies
Opinion
Overhauling Social Studies in a Polarized Era. One State Chief Tells the Tale
One thing that helped Louisiana accomplish the politically charged task was acknowledging upfront the process would be confrontational.
Standards & Accountability
Minnesota Teachers, Parents Criticize ‘Awkward’ Tribal References in Proposed Math Standards
Teachers were somewhat more supportive of the tribal references than were parents, school board members, and school administrators.
Social Studies
Louisiana's History Standards Got a Closed-Door Rewrite. What's In and What's Out
Amid a volatile debate over how to teach about America's racist past, state officials fundamentally altered educators' proposed standards.
Social Studies
Authors of New Louisiana Social Studies Standards Disavow Revised Version
The nine dissenters said they were unfairly criticized for trying to inject a distorted version of the state's racial history.
Social Studies
Critical Race Theory and the Fight Over History Standards: 6 Things to Know
EdWeek examined how the backlash to classroom discussions on race has set back efforts to expand what students learn about American history.
Social Studies
Revising America's Racist Past
How the 'critical race theory' debate is crashing headlong into efforts to update social studies standards.