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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.
Lauren Santucci & Stephen Sawchuk, January 3, 2023
5:23
Photo of students pointing at map.
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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.
Ileana Najarro, December 23, 2022
4 min read
Compilation of images including an urban cityscape of Washington, DC. National Archives Building, Lincoln memorial, United States Flag.
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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.
Sarah Schwartz, December 15, 2022
2 min read
USA flag fractured in pieces over whole flag.
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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.
Ileana Najarro, September 9, 2022
7 min read
Image of condoms.
iStock/Getty
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.
Stephen Sawchuk, August 24, 2022
4 min read
Illustration of contraceptives and anatomical diagrams of internal reproductive organs and cells
Alisa Potapovich/iStock/Getty
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.
Sarah Schwartz, August 22, 2022
11 min read
Thousands of people attend a protest for abortion access after the Supreme Court reversed the federal right to abortion decided in Roe v. Wade. The legal basis for the decision could be used in the future as precendent to overturn other rights not explicitly stated in the Constitution (e.g., same-sex marriage). With the exception of Thomas, all of the conservative justices in the majority testified under oath in their confirmation hearings that they consider abortion access 'settled law.'
Thousands of people attend a protest for abortion access after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned <i>Roe v. Wade,</i> which guaranteed the right to an abortion.
Allison Bailey/NurPhoto via AP
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.
Sarah Schwartz, August 5, 2022
8 min read
An American flag with a grunge texture
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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.
Ileana Najarro, July 12, 2022
10 min read
Image shows a multi-tailed arrow hitting the bullseye of a target.
DigitalVision Vectors/Getty
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.
Rick Hess, April 21, 2022
5 min read
Representatives from St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS) administration, faculty and staff, students, and the Indigenous community raise a healing pole in a ceremony at the SPPS headquarters in St. Paul, Monday, Oct. 11, 2021.
Representatives from St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS) administration, faculty and staff, students, and the Indigenous community raise a healing pole in a ceremony at the SPPS headquarters in St. Paul, Monday, Oct. 11, 2021.
Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via TNS
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.
Josh Verges, Pioneer Press, March 30, 2022
6 min read
Image of a social studies book coming to visual life with edits to the content.
Laura Baker/°ÄÃÅÅܹ·ÂÛ̳ (Source imagery: Orensila and iStock/Getty)
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.
Stephen Sawchuk, March 24, 2022
10 min read
State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley speaks during a news conference at the Knock Knock Children's Museum, in Baton Rouge, La., on Aug. 11, 2021.
State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley speaks during a news conference at the Knock Knock Children's Museum, in Baton Rouge, La., on Aug. 11, 2021.
Bill Feig/The Advocate via AP
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.
Will Sentell, The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La., March 10, 2022
3 min read
Illustration of tug of war.
Illustration by Laura Baker/°ÄÃÅÅܹ·ÂÛ̳, SvetaZi, and iStock/Getty
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.
Stephen Sawchuk, January 19, 2022
2 min read
Image of a social study book coming to visual life with edits to the content.
Illustration by Laura Baker/°ÄÃÅÅܹ·ÂÛ̳ (Source imagery: Orensila and iStock/Getty)
Social Studies Revising America's Racist Past
How the 'critical race theory' debate is crashing headlong into efforts to update social studies standards.
Stephen Sawchuk, January 18, 2022
27 min read