Social Studies Leadership: How to Increase Opportunities to Learn a Marginalized Subject in Elementary School

• In Event: Schoolwide Capacity Building: Shaping Teachers and Principals

Abstract

Social Studies fosters literacy development (Kabourek and Tyner, 2020; Libresco & VanSickle, 2015) , critical thinking skills (Wineburg & Reisman, 2015), and student civic engagement (Campbell & Niemi, 2016; Kahne & Middaugh, 2008). National trends in social studies instructional minutes (Fitchett and Heafner, 2014) suggests that Social Studies is not happening in Elementary Schools. When Social Studies does happen, research suggests that leaders have something to do with it (Anderson, 2014; Fitchett & Heafner, 2018). This qualitative study investigated leaders of schools that offer students more opportunities to learn social studies. Drawing from leadership literature, semi structured interviews were conducted with leaders to better understand leadership actions and beliefs that increase opportunities for Elementary School students to learn Social Studies.

Author

• Matthew K. Brownstein, Hunter College - CUNY