Routledge Social Studies in the New Education Policy Era: Conversations on Purposes, Perspectives, and Practices

Social Studies in the New Education Policy Era is a series of compelling open-ended education policy dialogues among various social studies scholars and stakeholders. By facilitating conversations about the relationships among policy, practice, and research in social studies education, this collection illuminates various positions―some similar, some divergent―on contested issues in the field, from the effects of standardized curriculum and assessment mandates on K–12 teaching to the appropriate roles of social studies educators as public policy advocates. Chapter authors bring diverse professional experiences to the questions at hand, offering readers multiple perspectives from which to delve into well-informed discussions about social studies education in past, present, and future policy contexts. Collectively, their commentaries aim to inspire, challenge, and ultimately strengthen readers’ beliefs about the place of social studies in present and future education policy environments. Review 'In Social Studies in the New Education Policy Era, Editors Paul Fitchett and Kevin Meuwissen pose significant policy-related questions to 22 social studies scholars and professionals. The result is a series of engaging and thought-provoking conversations between pairs of contributors about the past, current, and potential role of policies and political actors in social studies education. The lively dialogue between contributors reveals shared and divergent perspectives, and often suggests the complexity of policy in relation to impacts and contexts. In-depth conversations focused on policy and policy advocacy in social studies are rare; I believe the informative and spirited dialogue in this book will serve as the basis for much needed further discussion among all who care about the future of social studies education.' ― Patricia G. Avery, Professor of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Minnesota     About the Author Paul G. Fitchett, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA Kevin W. Meuwissen, University of Rochester, USA