Reassessing the Social Studies Curriculum

Featuring some of the most important leaders in social studies education, Reassessing the Social Studies Curriculum brings into focus the state of civic education and the construction of citizenship and national identity in post-9/11 United States. At different points historical, empirical, and critical, this book is an important and poignant read for anyone teaching social studies amidst the seemingly endless U.S. War in the Middle East. -- Wayne Au, Associate Professor, University of Washington Bothell; editor, Rethinking Schools
Why hasn’t social studies education evolved since the events of September 11, 2011? What principles, philosophies, and instructional approaches could guide educators grappling with teaching about 9/11 in critical, culturally responsive, and daring ways? This remarkable book, with contributions with a range of outstanding social studies scholars, answers these questions and more, providing a much needed resource to those who are hopeful about the possibilities for social studies education in a post 9/11 world. -- Anne-Lise Halvorsen, Associate Professor, Michigan State University
The diverse chapters in Reassessing the Social Studies Curriculum: Preparing Students for a Post-9/11 World explore compelling and important topics that generate necessary—and fascinating—conversations, considerations and questions about the status, place, and potential of social studies in the post-9/11 world. Borrowing a quote from Keith Barton’s chapter, the work in this book moves “beyond discrete and obvious reactions to a critical event and examine[s] its deeper, more gradual, and ultimately more profound effects.” The authors offer theoretical as well as practical considerations for those interested in social studies education and thoughtfully analyze the curricular implications of such a significant and tragic event in history. Journell’s book is an important contribution to the field. -- Stephanie van Hover, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education, University of Virginia
Teaching basic historical events is now much more complicated than it was in the past; there is a sense of constant change both at home and abroad. Reassessing the Social Studies Curriculum helps teachers understand the need to illuminate the gray realities of our previously black and white view of history. It offers teachers strategies to help post-9/11 students have deeper understandings so that they can make conceptual connections. -- Kim O’Neil, President of the National Council for the Social Studies