“History is a relentless master.  It has no present, just the past rushing into the future.  To try to hold fast is to be swept aside.”
-Abraham Lincoln
                                                                                             

October 27, 2017
MaryEllen Elia, New York State Commissioner of Education
Betty A. Rosa, Chancellor of New York State Board of Regents
Members of the Board of Regents
Citizens of the State of New York

Social Studies education is in crisis in the State of New York. The last decade has seen the end of Social Studies state assessments for the elementary grades (i.e, 5th Grade Exam) and middle years (i.e., 8th Grade Exam) and an overemphasis on English Language Arts and Mathematics through the implementation of the Common Core Learning Standards. This has been a “perfect storm” for the reduction of effective Social Studies instruction. At the high school level, the “Pathways” initiative has reduced the required number of Social Studies Regents Examinations for graduation. Further, the new curricula and accompanying assessment approach has removed 9th Grade content from the Global History and Geography Regents. Social Studies educators across the state fear a continued marginalization of Social Studies through the unintended consequences of ongoing educational reform efforts in New York. Our students need to be effective citizens in our society, fully aware of their American heritage, as well as members of the interdependent global world, connected by technology, in which we all live. This generation is at risk due to the minimization of Social Studies instruction and assessment.

The Long Island Council for the Social Studies (LICSS) opposes the over-testing of our students and recognizes the negative effects, but as stated by Chancellor Betty Rosa, “We’ve all heard that ‘if it isn’t tested, it isn’t taught.’ And, in fact, instruction in Social Studies has too often been given short shrift, especially at the elementary level.” Assessments are critical for the accountability of students and educators in Social Studies. The LICSS advocates for rigorous Social Studies Standards and appropriate, meaningful Social Studies assessments that reflect the necessary content knowledge and skill-sets of an informed, thoughtful citizenry.

We believe:
- Recent research has indicated deficiencies in students’ understanding of American Heritage and Civics, World History and Geography, and the accurate analysis and interpretation of information
- Knowledge of history, culture, geography, civics, and economics are essential for an informed citizen of the United States and the global community
- Social Studies education has interdisciplinary applications. This work prepares students for college, career, civic participation, and their future. The skills are both discipline-specific, such as historical contextualization and chronological reasoning, as well as cross-disciplinary, such as analysis of evidence, close reading, and argumentative writing
- Civic education teaches the next generation how to analyze different perspectives, identify bias, and propose meaningful solutions for issues
- The historic New York State Regents Examinations (commencing in 1879) represent a commitment to rigor and accountability

As educators and concerned citizens, we urge policymakers in New York State to desist from the erosion of Social Studies education and advocate the following:
- Continued support for the full implementation of Social Studies courses of study, grades K-12, articulated in the New York State Social Studies Framework
- The requirement of class time explicitly committed to Social Studies content and skills (as defined by the Framework) in the elementary school day
- Meaningful and appropriate Social Studies assessments for the purpose of accountability at the elementary and middle grades
- The development and administration of Social Studies Regents Examinations that are end-of-course final exams and graduation requirements

In this time of both global progress and challenges, Social Studies is more important and relevant than ever. It is imperative that Social Studies resume its historic place as a subject area which is valued and cherished as the great equalizer in developing reasoned, informed, and respectful civil discourse.

Respectfully,
The Long Island Council for the Social Studies on behalf of New York State educators, parents, and students

What is the Long Island Council for the Social Studies?

Click the link below to sign the LICSS position statement advocating for the importance of social studies in New York State.

The Long Island Council for the Social Studies is the professional organization of teachers and supervisors at the elementary, secondary, college and university levels who work in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Membership is open to all persons who teach, supervise, develop curricula, engage in research, or are otherwise concerned with social studies.

The council is a marketplace of ideas, a showcase for new materials, teaching methods, strategies, programs and personalities.

Founded in the early 1950’s, the Long Island Council has been for years one of the largest, if not the largest, and most active councils affiliated with the National Council for the Social Studies and the New York State Council for the Social Studies.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF THE LONG ISLAND COUNCIL FOR THE SOCIAL STUDIES?

•To promote an understanding of the social studies and the more effective teaching of social studies at all educational levels;
•To maintain high professional standards and provide opportunities for professional growth;
•To protect the academic rights of the profession;
•To articulate enlightened views on issues of interest and concern to social studies educators
•To advise and advocate for rigorous social studies content and assessment tools
•To maintain an active role in advising the state education department on social studies issues

LICSS POSITION STATEMENT 

Long Island Council for the Social Studies