Cross Case Features: Context

Evans High School: State Context

The state social studies coordinator accompanied the seminar leader on the Key Actors Tour of China last fall. He has audited the NCTA seminar and continues to recommend it to social studies teachers statewide.

State standards require that all students be “exposed” to World History. According to the state curriculum director for social studies, “The objectives that deal with World History are either taught in a discreet course or they are infused in other coursework.” The state requires one semester of World history, but does not test students’ knowledge of World History. U.S. History is the only social studies course that is tested. A powerful lobby in the state has succeeded in requiring that state history be taught at the high school level. The district can add to the required curriculum and Evans’ district requires two semesters of World History.