AdvocacyUpdate (May 11, 2021): The House and Senate education bills (HF1065 and SF960) are in conference committee, where conferees discuss the bills' differences and try to reconcile into one bill. Several elements impact social studies. Look at this document comparing the two, and then contact your elected officials. If your elected officials are part of the conference committee, it's even more critical that you reach out. The session ends on May 17, so act soon! | Need help connecting with your state elected officials? Check out MCSS's brief list of suggestions for making your case to state senators and representatives. |
MCSS Statement on Teaching History and Social Studies (September 18, 2020)
The Minnesota Council for the Social Studies rejects any effort by the federal government to equate the teaching of the complex American story to “child abuse,” or to dictate a US history curriculum that neglects to analyze our nation’s complicity in oppression.
We reject any statement that accuses our educators of harming children with knowledge. Teachers are professionals and experts in their fields who care deeply about their students. They are lifelong learners who consistently sharpen their craft, including the incorporation of nuanced historical evidence that reflects the beautiful diversity of our children.
Our shared history in this country was experienced differently, depending on individuals’ race/ethnicity, socio-economic status, place of birth, religion, and many other factors. To ignore or erase the experiences of those not in the seats of power is harmful. Good social studies instruction does not focus solely on a single narrative. Good social studies instruction teaches students to be critical consumers of information, to engage with multiple perspectives, and to ensure that students are empowered to ask questions and analyze evidence to solve problems. Good social studies is the inclusion of a more complete narrative.
The Minnesota Council for the Social Studies stands behind our educators and will continue to advocate for inclusive social studies, with the understanding that showing love for our country means insisting that we learn from our past and strive to be better.
Contact information for Members of Congress
Senator Tina Smith
| Senator Amy Klobuchar
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1st District -- Rep. Brad Finstad | 4th District -- Rep. Betty McCollum | 7th District -- Rep. MIchelle Fischbach |