National Standards for History/Social Science

While there are currently no "official" National Standards for History/Social Science, several documents have been developed by "nationally recognized groups of subject-area experts" which define "what students should know and when they should know it."

The first of these was developed by the National Council for the Social Studies in the early 1990's. The second was developed by the National Center for History in the Schools in the mid 1990's. The third is an attempt to reconcile these "many and varied efforts." We will examine each of these in turn.

We will begin with the Curriculum Standards for Social Studies developed by the National Council for the Social Studies. Next we will take a look at the National Standards for History developed by the National Center for History in the Schools. Finally we will explore the History section of the McREL Compendium of Standards and Benchmarks.

As you explore these History/Social Science Standards, begin to look for a specific History/Social Science standard that is appropriate for your grade level or course of study. This specific standard will become the focal point of your research later in the course.

When you have completed your exploration of the three standards documents, you will be asked to identify this standard and tell why you have selected it.

Proceed to Exploration # 2e1