In our polarized society, social studies instruction is a political landmine. For evidence of this, look no further than the current proposed bills to restrict how teachers discuss topics like racism. But we can’t let a handful of state legislators looking to score political points mislead us: Democracy can’t thrive without an informed and engaged citizenry.

What’s more, we actually have consensus around how social studies should be taught. New efforts like the Roadmap to Educating for American Democracy, established guidelines like the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework, and revised state standards all “share the philosophy that knowledge and understanding arise from the inquiry process.” It’s a call to move social studies toward the hard sciences: to lead with questions rather than conclusions, deeply investigate multiple perspectives rather than a single source, and apply acquired knowledge rather than memorizing it for a test.

It’s time to answer that call.

But it won’t be easy. It’s much easier to tell students what to think and believe, then to slowly and methodically help them learn how to question and investigate. And with only standards and frameworks to work from, it’s like asking teachers to prepare a gourmet meal but only giving them the five-star menu. Curriculum companies and education leaders must begin to support teachers with the recipes as well: high-quality, inquiry-based instructional materials in social studies.

So how do we replicate this model in social studies? Curriculum companies, education leaders, and advocacy organizations must take several key steps.

  • Avoid the pitfalls of politics
  • Set the bar
  • Let teachers focus on students
  • Commit to the work

Read the full article about offering high-quality instruction by Shanti Elangovan at The 74.