Knowledge Mapping the Social Studies: A New Framework for Curriculum Evaluation

• In Event: Facets of Equitable Policies and Programs

Abstract

The current moment has created an opening to reconsider the role of social studies curriculum in preparing students for public life, but traditional evaluations related to standards alignment do not consider many of the implicit biases inherent in the content and presentation of social studies curricula. We have developed a tool that “maps” social studies curricula across content areas and grades to generate a complete picture of which knowledge domains a curriculum reinforces or over-represents (or not), in which grades, and with what quality or bias. This paper presents results from our pilot review which demonstrate how this can be an effective tool for identifying patterns in content and delivery, and aligning curricular materials with local needs and objectives.

Authors

• Kelly Siegel-Stechler, Johns Hopkins University

• Darby Joyce, Johns Hopkins University

• Ashley Rogers Berner, Johns Hopkins University

• David Steiner, Johns Hopkins School of Education