The below Advocacy Toolkit is an educational resource and planning tool of the National Council for the Social Studies created and developed for non-profit educational and research purposes with the objective of advocating for social studies education. The Toolkit can be freely used for these non-profit purposes. The Toolkit includes links to materials that may be copyrighted, and the Toolkit makes fair use of these materials for educational purposes. Those who wish to use any of these materials for purposes that go beyond fair use should obtain permission from the copyright ownerWant…

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For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, NCSS editors have curated this selection of articles and resources from Social Education and Social Studies and the Young Learner. 

What is Social Studies? Definition Social studies is the study of individuals, communities, systems, and their interactions across time and place that prepares students for local, national, and global civic life. Purpose Using an inquiry-based approach, social studies helps students examine vast human experiences through the generation of questions, collection and analysis of evidence from credible sources, consideration of multiple perspectives, and the application of social studies knowledge and disciplinary skills. As a result of examining the past, participating in the present, and…

The Three H's Legislators are constantly being asked to make decisions; decisions on how to vote, who to support, and what causes to champion. Understanding a legislator's decision-making process can make a difference as a group seeks to influence the legislator toward their argument. Learn to think like a legislator by examining the 3 H's: Head, Heart, and Health. Head Elected officials generally want to make good policy. Many come to their respective legislative bodies because they want to make a difference and be part of good government. During their thought process while deciding how…

Join National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) for the 2024 Summer Leadership Institute (SLI), held in partnership with the National Archives, as we embark on an inspiring journey to empower social studies and aspiring leaders across the nation. This SLI, Finding Your Voice, Finding Your Story, encapsulates the transformative experience we offer, and there is no better place to do so than in Washington, DC. Our goal is clear: to equip you with the tools and knowledge to become your own best advocate. By unlocking the power of your unique voice and story, you will…

Shaping Attitudes The goal of public relations is to shape someone's or some group's attitudes regarding your organization or project. Our task is to create an accurate understanding of the value of social studies education and what people can do to help social studies educators teach students the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for college, career, and civic life. The Basic Concepts Messages about social studies are being delivered all the time—at youth sporting events, school functions, in the supermarket checkout line and at other community gathering places and events.…

NCSS is partnering with the Library of Congress to develop digital resources for use in teacher candidate programs to demonstrate the effectiveness of teaching with primary sources and the College, Career, and Civic Life ("C3") Framework Inquiry Arc. The centerpiece of these resources will be five online methods publications. Released in 2023, two grant-funded methods texts, Using Inquiry to Prepare Students for College, Career, and Civic Life, one designed for K-6 elementary methods courses and the other for 6-12 secondary methods courses. Due for release in the 2023-2024 school year, a…