Interesting article. Social Studies is state tested in
Michigan, so even though NCLB doesn't address it, I think
more attention is given to it here.
But even in Miohigan, it is not tested until 6th grade and
then it covers everything from first grade on. So, in the
lower grades it is often taught sporadically. The next time
it is tested is in ninth grade. This puts an enormous
burden on the middle school teachers to not only catch them
up on all civics and economic terms they did not get
before, but all of the other objectives required. Sixth and
Seventh graders are expected to learn ancient history of
both hemispheres, contemporary issues, geography and
cultures of the world, economics and civics. 5th and 8th
grade history have so many objectives that at best one can
only make them aware that it happened and pray that some
will stick. However, they are closer to being more
reasonable than 6th and 7th grades.
What is the answer to this? I don't know. There are not
enough hours in the day to teach all things in all
subjects.
Homework is frowned on because "we did not have homework
growing up" (fewer or no mandated standards in the olden
days) or "it interferes with outside activities" (can't
argue that one). So, time in class must be given over to
reinforcement of things taught rather than learning new
concepts. Lack of funding in schools has caused some states
to shorten the school year and making a longer day instead.
(Like dividing 10/15 minutes a day divided among all the
subject areas will make up for fewer days.
History and cultures lend itself well with reading and
parts of geography with Science. But unless you have real
knowledge of the Social Studies and see the importance of
it, it is rarely integrated because the textbook companies
have not seen the need for it and the integration of it
puts an additional burden on already over extended
teachers.
As you can see, the article struck a nerve with me. I am
lucky. I teach in a parochial school. It means I teach an
unbelievable amount of core subjects in middle school.
Because we have supportive parents, because we do not HAVE
to comply with NCLB and state objective (we do - but do not
have the stress of it)we are able to accomplish much. But
if I am frustrated, I can imagine how it is for teachers in
environments not as favorable as mine.
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