National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies: A Framework for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment has been widely and successfully used as a framework for teachers, schools, districts, states, and other nations as a tool for curriculum alignment and development. The standards incorporates current research and suggestions for improvement from many experienced practitioners.
The result of a three year state-led collaborative effort, the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards was developed to serve two audiences: for states to upgrade their state social studies standards and for practitioners — local school districts, schools, teachers and curriculum writers — to strengthen their social studies programs. Its objectives are to: a) enhance the rigor of the social studies disciplines; b) build critical thinking, problem solving, and participatory skills to become engaged citizens; and c) align academic programs to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies.
The National Standards for the Preparation of Social Studies Teachers describe and explain the national standards for social studies teacher education created by National Council for the Social Studies. Approved by the NCSS Board of Directors in 2016, the standards outline the social studies content, pedagogical knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed in order to prepare ambitious social studies teachers.
Teacher education programs seeking national recognition of their social studies program through CAEP are required to use these standards.
