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Is Social Studies in Florida Emerging from the Dark Ages?

We are hopeful that this year may signal the beginning of a reverse in the long-standing decline in state’s emphasis in social studies education.  Several significant trends give a hint that our discipline may once again become a priority in Florida’s schools and that social studies educators may once again consider themselves instructors of a “core curriculum” area.  

     The FCSS legislative committee has been in the forefront of this battle to preserve our civic and historical heritage.    Thus far this year, the committee has been involved in the following:

n      been in continual communication with former Governor Bob Graham and former Congressman Lou Frey who are leading an effort, along with the Florida Bar Association and Chief Justice R. Fred Lewis, to return civic literacy to its rightful place as the foundation for the state’s public school system.  FCSS favors state adoption of the recommendations put forth in their White Paper report: “Enlisting a New Generation of Florida Citizens”. 

n      worked with Dr. Patrick C. Coggins of Stetson University in the compilation and distribution of the first statewide comprehensive survey among elementary social studies educators to determine the effects on FCAT on social studies instruction. 

n      maintained contact with Florida Education Chancellor Dr. Cheri Yecke, who visited FASSS/FCSS legislative committee members this past January, providing her with detailed information on the current state of affairs regarding Social Studies in Florida’s public schools.

n      retained the services of Mr. Bob Bedford, an experienced educational lobbyist, who is guiding our efforts to have the legislature implement the key recommendations of “Enlisting a New Generation of Florida Citizens”.   The highest priority is to have social studies added to FCAT, something social studies professional groups have advocated since the 1980s.

n      conducted a brief ‘internet survey’ of 750 high school students on their attitudes toward civics and history and their understanding of key concepts in these disciplines.

n      conducted key editorial writing campaigns to inform the public at large of the extent of this crisis.

(For copies of any of the above reports, visit www.fcss.org or contact Jack Bovee at boveeja@collier.k12.fl.us .)

Current Status

     As of this writing we know that key legislative leaders, possibly Representative Pickens and Senator Gaetz, intend to file language that will enhance the importance of social studies education.  Thus far, Governor Crist has been supportive of the need to see social studies added to the state’s assessment program.  There may be a bill to create a Florida Commission on Civic Understanding.  Such an oversight committee is desperately needed to coordinate efforts to revitalize the civic mission of our schools.   We also see increased opportunities for staff development for social studies educators.  Once such language is filed, we hope to email all FCSS members with information about these bills and urge all members to take action to help support these measures.  In the meantime, FCSS members should do several things to prepare for the coming legislative session.

      ?  visit http://www.leg.state.fl.us/  to stay abreast of key bills and identify key committee members

       ?   network with other social studies educators so that you can write departmental letters to key legislators in support of our measures

       ?  write letters to your local newspaper or offer to speak to civic minded groups in your area on the extent of the crisis.  FCSS has extensive information and a Powerpoint ready for you to use for this purpose!

The Future of the ‘Ship of State’

     Social Studies educators have been long-time advocates on the need to determine how well Florida is preparing the next generation of citizens.   Since the early 1980s, FCSS has been supportive of having the state accurately assess the key understandings of our curriculum.  Despite being continually rebuffed by the legislature, we hope to mount a major offensive this year to restore our curriculum as an important foundation for all students.  We support inclusion of social studies testing on FCAT, immediate revision of the state’s Sunshine State Standards, the establishment of a Florida Commission on Civic and Historical Literacy, and the funding for staff development in those area identified as priorities within FS 1003.42 – the ‘required instruction’ statute.  Interested persons who wish to become more involved in FCSS Advocacy efforts should contact Legislative Chair Jack Bovee at boveeja@collier.k12.fl.us .