What Does it Mean to be a Citizen?: Defining Social Studies in the Age of Marginalization and Globalization

Abstract

Current educational rhetoric rings of goals to educate for 21 century skills preparing students for the competitive challenges of a global economy and interdependent society. Concerns about the American educational system falling behind other leading world nations have fueled national legislation to improve current educational practices. In efforts to promote what are considered essential skills and to ensure the teaching of core competencies, the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation has emerged as the driving force defining academic curriculum. Emphases are placed on reading, writing, mathematics, science, and technology skills. Unfortunately, these curricula are emerging not only as core content but also the only content in some grade levels.