When defining social studies, the best definition comes from the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS). Although “the 'official' definition is somewhat misleading because authorities in the field have long debated the dimensions of an appropriate definition of social studies” (Pearson Allyn Bacon Prentice Hall, 2013). The NCSS defines social studies as “the study of the political, economic, cultural, and environmental aspects of societies” (NCSS, 1988). There may never be a unanimously accepted definition of social studies, but this one appears to be accurate. Social studies textbooks should support state-specific standards. Although the author of this article resides in New York State, the textbook used is Georgia-based. This book is for second grade and is the Houghton Mifflin Social Studies: Georgia edition. After studying the Georgia state standards, there is a direct correlation between the standards and the textbook. An example is the SS2H1 standard “The student will read and describe the lives of historical figures in the history of Georgia” (GaDOE, 2013) such as James Oglethorpe. In the second lesson of the textbook students read about James Oglethorpe and Mary Musgrove, two settlers who arrived in Georgia (Viola, 2008). Can a textbook really meet the needs of students, teachers, and state standards? Topics Covered Knowing that the above definition of social studies actually examines the politics, economics, cultures, and environment of societies, the next step is to see if the textbook follows them. The Georgia state standard SS2CG1 through SS2CG4 covers politics; SS2E1 to SS2E4 covers the economy; and SS2G2 covers culture. State standards do not cover the environmental side of the company. This second…half of the document…frantic evaluation. Educational Technology Research and Development, 52(3), 67-86. National Council for Social Studies (1988). Social studies for early childhood and elementary school children: Preparing for the 21st century. Retrieved February 21, 2014, from http://www.socialstudies.org/positions/elementary.Pearson Allyn Bacon Prentice Hall (2013). Social Studies Definitions | Education.com. Retrieved February 21, 2014, from http://www.education.com/reference/article/definitions-social-studies/.Short, DJ (1994). Broadening the horizons of middle school: integrating language, culture and social studies. TESOL Quarterly, 28(3), 581-608.Vincent, A., & Ross, D. (2001). Awareness of learning style. Journal of Research on Computing in Education, 33(5). Viola, H. J. and Houghton Mifflin Company (2008). Houghton Mifflin Social Studies. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Co.
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