This is a critical time in the history of our democracy when the social fabric that binds us together appears to be weakening. The schools, especially the social studies educators, have a critical role to play in the reaffirmation of our constitutional compact.
(Fostering Civic Virtue, NCSS Position Statement - http://databank.ncss.org/article.php?story=2002040212203718)

The revitalization of civic education in American schools is the number one priority of NCSS. The United States is facing a crisis in civic education. Our democracy requires active participation by principled and informed citizens, who are committed to the ideals that bind us together as a nation. Yet we are failing to prepare our students for that role.

Consider the following facts:

• Only 20% of 18-24 year-olds vote.
• The percentage of university freshmen who consider political awareness very important has dropped from 58 percent in 1966 to 29 percent today.
• Only 26% of U.S. high school students demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge, skills and dispositions that are essential to citizenship (National Assessment of Educational Progress, 1999.)
• One-third of our students are directly affected by bullying.
• Two-thirds of our students admit to cheating in school.

American democracy is in danger. If the American ideals are to be sustained, schools and communities must find new ways to foster among students an allegiance to something greater than themselves. This can only be accomplished by renewing the civic mission of education and igniting among our youth a deep commitment to the principles of democracy and civic participation for the common good.

Stephen Johnson
President
NCSS 2002-2003

Citizens in the 21st century must be prepared to deal with rapid change, complex local, national and global issues, cultural and religious conflicts, and the increasing interdependence of nations in a global economy. For our democracy to survive in this challenging environment, we must educate our students to understand, respect, and uphold the values enshrined in our founding documents. Our students should leave school with a clear sense of their rights and responsibilities as citizens. They should also be prepared to challenge injustice and to promote the common good. (Creating Effective Citizens, NCSS Position Statement - http://databank.ncss.org/article.php?story=20020402121158431)

Social studies is the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence. The mission of NCSS is to provide leadership, service, and support for all social studies educators in creating effective citizens.

Susan Griffin
Executive Director
NCSS

Founded in 1921, the National Council for the Social Studies is the largest association in the country for social studies professionals, with 26,000 members in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 69 foreign countries. Membership includes K-16 classroom teachers, curriculum supervisors and specialists, curriculum writers and designers, and teacher educators. NCSS serves as an umbrella organization for K-16 teachers of civics, history, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and law-related education. Visit the NCSS web site at http://www.socialstudies.org.