A History of Elementary Social Studies ─ Romance and Reality

Halvorsen (education, Michigan State U.) presents a history of elementary social studies from its 19th century roots in history and geography lessons. She argues that social studies arose in part to codify elements of democratic participation in civilization. She raises awareness about the precarious position of social studies curricula in US education policy, as well as its stagnation over the last century. In an era of accountability and economic competition, democratic virtues and the social awareness that they require are being attacked or undermined. She offers a final concluding chapter on opportunities for the 21st century that include, revising goals of social studies education, education research, collaborating with educators as well as social scientists, improving texts, and integrating social studies and literacy curricula. Annotation c2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Anne-Lise Halvorsen (PhD in Educational Foundations and Policy, University of Michigan) is an Assistant Professor in the College of Education at Michigan State University. She has published articles in Teachers College Record, Theory and Research in Social Education, and The Social Studies. She is a co-author of Powerful Social Studies for Elementary Students (3rd ed., 2012).