Time for South Carolina to Rethink Social Studies

In South Carolina, a growing concern emerges as social studies takes a backseat to other subjects in schools. With the state's 250th anniversary of independence approaching, many question why young students aren't spending more time learning about history, civics, geography, and economics.

The Core Issue

• Time and Priorities: Math and English dominate instructional hours due to heavy testing.
• Standardized Testing Debate: Educators discuss how to ensure students learn social studies amidst testing focus.

Current Statistics and Challenges

• Low Pass Rates: Only 38% of high school students pass the state's social studies test.
• Testing Disparity: Social studies tests are not part of the annual SC READY exams (grades 3-8).
• Elementary School Impact: Subjects are not taught in isolation, allowing more time for math and English.

Regional Examples

• Charleston County: Kindergarten to second-grade classes spend as much time on English in a day as they do on social studies in a week.

Diverging Opinions

• Pro-Testing Argument: Some advocate for bringing back standardized social studies tests in elementary and middle schools.
• Anti-Testing Argument: Others believe the education system already relies too much on standardized tests.

National Context

• RAND Corporation Survey (2022): American students spend about 3 hours a week on social studies, compared to 9 hours on English Language Arts and 6 on math.

Legislative and Educational Responses

• Testing Requirements: State law used to require annual testing in all four main subjects, but now only requires social studies exams in fifth and seventh grade (not administered in years).
• High School Testing: The first time students' social studies learning is checked is in high school, after the U.S. History and Constitution class.
• Revised Standards: The impending rewrite of social studies standards could reintroduce testing, but the decision is up to the state legislature.

Future Opportunities

• 250 Years of History: South Carolina has a unique opportunity to lead in teaching students about self-government and the state's rich history.
• Teacher Training and Materials: New standards for math and ELA have come with training opportunities and higher-quality instructional materials.