Because we recognize the central role of social studies in educating citizens in a democratic society, The LICSS Executive Boa

Long Island Council FOR THE Social Studies

The following position was adopted by the LICSS Executive Board on

13 December 2006:

LICSS Position Statement

Whereas we recognize the central role of social studies in educating citizens in a democratic society, The LICSS Executive Board urges the publication of the grade 5 and grade 8 Social Studies examination scores. We do so for the following reasons:

1) We need to be accountable for a “sound education” as defined by Judge Leland DeGrasse in Campaign for Fiscal Equity v. New York. A sound education provides the skills required to enable a person to vote, hold a job, and serve on a jury. These are basic citizenship skills and the public should be aware of their importance.

2) The NO Child Left Behind legislation has de-emphasized the importance of social studies and it is essential that its relevance to functioning in a democratic society be reinforced and not downgraded.

3) Thomas Jefferson felt that “informing one’s discretion” was the most important skill in educating a citizen for a democratic republican society. Social studies goes beyond literacy in fulfilling the ideals of the framers. It is essential that the public be aware of the quality of history, geography, economics, and civics education students are receiving as part of their citizenship training.

LICSS

P.O. Box 98, Merrick, NY 11566-0098