WCSS Position Statement on Supporting Academic Freedom to Provide a Comprehensive Civics Education in Wisconsin Social Studies Classroom
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
The Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies (WCSS) is a non-profit professional organization of social studies educators. Its mission is to promote social studies and the professional growth and development of educators which, in turn, will help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world. As Wisconsin Social Studies Educators embark on this 2024-25 academic year, our Board of Directors is compelled to issue a statement regarding the Teaching of Civics, specifically as it relates to the teaching of government, current events, and elections so as to support educators and students in their pursuit of academic freedom and in their pursuit to fulfill academic requirements laid out in statute, the recommended Wisconsin Civics Scope & Sequence, State Standards and best practices in teaching and learning. WCSS is aware that many Social Studies educators in our state have been restricted from teaching topics of current events, elections, and other civics related topics. In restricting educators, our students are held back from gaining the civic knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to be engaged members of society. WCSS fully supports the teaching and learning of civics and topics related to current events and specifically elections, especially in an election year when Americans and future citizens need access to the knowledge and skills necessary to continue to preserve and improve our Constitutional Federal Republic.
WCSS knows that restricting teaching and learning in Social Studies classrooms is a limitation of academic freedom. While academic freedom for the K-12 classroom is not codified in Wisconsin State Statute, we agree with the National Council for the Social Studies in their assertion that academic freedom is vital to the teaching and learning of our subject area. In 2016 The National Council for the Social Studies published their position statement on Academic Freedom and the Social Studies Educator in which they said,
“Academic freedom means that both social studies educators and students have the opportunity to engage in intellectual debate without fear of censorship or retaliation. Academic freedom gives both social studies educators and students the right to express their views—in speech, writing, and/or through electronic communication without fear of sanction. Academic freedom for social studies educators and students includes the right and responsibility to study, investigate, present, interpret, discuss, and debate relevant facts, issues, and ideas. Academic freedom means that the political, religious, or philosophical beliefs of politicians, administrators, and members of the public cannot be imposed on students or faculty.”
WCSS also supports school district compliance with Wisc. Stat. sec. 118.01(2)(a)2. and 118.01(2)(c) that requires:
“Each school board must provide an instructional program designed to give students: Basic skills, including the ability to read, write, spell, perform basic arithmetical calculations, learn by reading and listening and communicate by writing and speaking. Analytical skills, including the ability to think rationally, solve problems, use various learning methods, gather and analyze information, make critical and independent judgments and argue persuasively. An understanding of all levels of government, including the duties and responsibilities of citizenship; a commitment to the basic values of our government, including by appropriate instruction and ceremony the proper reverence and respect for an the history and meaning of the American flag, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the constitution and laws of this state; skills to participate in political life; understanding of the function of organizations in society, knowledge of the role and importance of resources, knowledge of state, national, and world history; an appreciation and understanding of different value systems and cultures, at all grade levels an understanding of human relations, particularly in regard to American Indians, Black Americans, Hispanics, Hmong Americans and Asian Americans.”
If school boards, administrators or community members make efforts to restrict teachers' ability to facilitate learning opportunities for students to acquire the above knowledge and skills, they are not only in violation of state statutes, we believe that they are actively working against the purpose of the education each child should receive in the state of Wisconsin.
WCSS also agrees with Dr. Jill Underly, Wisconsin State Superintendent of Schools in her assertion supporting the teaching of civics in Wisconsin schools;
“As public education is a constitutional right, it is my firm belief that public education is rooted in representative democracy. It also forms the roots for our democracy to grow and be healthy. Which means, in turn, that our public education system must be strong to provide a solid foundation for a healthy democratic republic to grow from and build upon. Schools can be – and must be – this foundation. I want all Wisconsin students to grow up to be active participants in the civic life of our state and our nation. To be future active participants in democracy, they need that strong foundation. They need to know how to examine our past. They need to know how to think critically about our present. They need to make informed decisions about their future, which is, of course, our collective future. They need robust civics learning.”
In conclusion, the Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies firmly asserts that the teaching of civics, current events, and elections is fundamental to equipping students with the knowledge and skills required for active, informed citizenship in our democracy. Academic freedom is essential for social studies educators to facilitate these crucial lessons, enabling students to engage meaningfully in public life and uphold the values enshrined in our Constitution. The imposition of restrictions on these topics not only undermines the educational mission outlined in Wisconsin State Statutes but also impedes students' ability to develop into well-informed, responsible community members and citizens.
As we embark on the 2024-25 academic year, WCSS calls on school boards, administrators, and community leaders to support and uphold the principles of academic freedom and comprehensive civics education. Ensuring that educators can freely teach and students can fully learn about government, current events, and elections is not just a matter of adhering to legal requirements, but of fostering the engaged, thoughtful community members and citizens our society needs to thrive. We stand united in our commitment to preserving the integrity of social studies education and advocate for an environment where all voices can be heard, and all perspectives explored. Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to gain the civic knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for a vibrant and participatory democracy.
“Academic Freedom and the Social Studies Teacher.” Social Studies, www.socialstudies.org/social-education/80/03/academic-freedom-and-social-studies-teacher.
Wisconsin State Legislature, Statute 118.01 Educational Goals and Expectations. https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/118/01/2/c . August 21 2024.
“Suggested Scope and Sequence for Wisconsin K-12 Civics Education.” Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, 18 Oct. 2023, dpi.wi.gov/social-studies/suggested-scope-and-sequence-wisconsin-k-12-civics-education.
The Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies (WCSS) is a non-profit professional organization of social studies educators. Its mission is to promote social studies and the professional growth and development of educators which, in turn, will help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world. As Wisconsin Social Studies Educators embark on this 2024-25 academic year, our Board of Directors is compelled to issue a statement regarding the Teaching of Civics, specifically as it relates to the teaching of government, current events, and elections so as to support educators and students in their pursuit of academic freedom and in their pursuit to fulfill academic requirements laid out in statute, the recommended Wisconsin Civics Scope & Sequence, State Standards and best practices in teaching and learning. WCSS is aware that many Social Studies educators in our state have been restricted from teaching topics of current events, elections, and other civics related topics. In restricting educators, our students are held back from gaining the civic knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to be engaged members of society. WCSS fully supports the teaching and learning of civics and topics related to current events and specifically elections, especially in an election year when Americans and future citizens need access to the knowledge and skills necessary to continue to preserve and improve our Constitutional Federal Republic.
WCSS knows that restricting teaching and learning in Social Studies classrooms is a limitation of academic freedom. While academic freedom for the K-12 classroom is not codified in Wisconsin State Statute, we agree with the National Council for the Social Studies in their assertion that academic freedom is vital to the teaching and learning of our subject area. In 2016 The National Council for the Social Studies published their position statement on Academic Freedom and the Social Studies Educator in which they said,
“Academic freedom means that both social studies educators and students have the opportunity to engage in intellectual debate without fear of censorship or retaliation. Academic freedom gives both social studies educators and students the right to express their views—in speech, writing, and/or through electronic communication without fear of sanction. Academic freedom for social studies educators and students includes the right and responsibility to study, investigate, present, interpret, discuss, and debate relevant facts, issues, and ideas. Academic freedom means that the political, religious, or philosophical beliefs of politicians, administrators, and members of the public cannot be imposed on students or faculty.”
WCSS also supports school district compliance with Wisc. Stat. sec. 118.01(2)(a)2. and 118.01(2)(c) that requires:
“Each school board must provide an instructional program designed to give students: Basic skills, including the ability to read, write, spell, perform basic arithmetical calculations, learn by reading and listening and communicate by writing and speaking. Analytical skills, including the ability to think rationally, solve problems, use various learning methods, gather and analyze information, make critical and independent judgments and argue persuasively. An understanding of all levels of government, including the duties and responsibilities of citizenship; a commitment to the basic values of our government, including by appropriate instruction and ceremony the proper reverence and respect for an the history and meaning of the American flag, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the constitution and laws of this state; skills to participate in political life; understanding of the function of organizations in society, knowledge of the role and importance of resources, knowledge of state, national, and world history; an appreciation and understanding of different value systems and cultures, at all grade levels an understanding of human relations, particularly in regard to American Indians, Black Americans, Hispanics, Hmong Americans and Asian Americans.”
If school boards, administrators or community members make efforts to restrict teachers' ability to facilitate learning opportunities for students to acquire the above knowledge and skills, they are not only in violation of state statutes, we believe that they are actively working against the purpose of the education each child should receive in the state of Wisconsin.
WCSS also agrees with Dr. Jill Underly, Wisconsin State Superintendent of Schools in her assertion supporting the teaching of civics in Wisconsin schools;
“As public education is a constitutional right, it is my firm belief that public education is rooted in representative democracy. It also forms the roots for our democracy to grow and be healthy. Which means, in turn, that our public education system must be strong to provide a solid foundation for a healthy democratic republic to grow from and build upon. Schools can be – and must be – this foundation. I want all Wisconsin students to grow up to be active participants in the civic life of our state and our nation. To be future active participants in democracy, they need that strong foundation. They need to know how to examine our past. They need to know how to think critically about our present. They need to make informed decisions about their future, which is, of course, our collective future. They need robust civics learning.”
In conclusion, the Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies firmly asserts that the teaching of civics, current events, and elections is fundamental to equipping students with the knowledge and skills required for active, informed citizenship in our democracy. Academic freedom is essential for social studies educators to facilitate these crucial lessons, enabling students to engage meaningfully in public life and uphold the values enshrined in our Constitution. The imposition of restrictions on these topics not only undermines the educational mission outlined in Wisconsin State Statutes but also impedes students' ability to develop into well-informed, responsible community members and citizens.
As we embark on the 2024-25 academic year, WCSS calls on school boards, administrators, and community leaders to support and uphold the principles of academic freedom and comprehensive civics education. Ensuring that educators can freely teach and students can fully learn about government, current events, and elections is not just a matter of adhering to legal requirements, but of fostering the engaged, thoughtful community members and citizens our society needs to thrive. We stand united in our commitment to preserving the integrity of social studies education and advocate for an environment where all voices can be heard, and all perspectives explored. Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to gain the civic knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for a vibrant and participatory democracy.
“Academic Freedom and the Social Studies Teacher.” Social Studies, www.socialstudies.org/social-education/80/03/academic-freedom-and-social-studies-teacher.
Wisconsin State Legislature, Statute 118.01 Educational Goals and Expectations. https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/118/01/2/c . August 21 2024.
“Suggested Scope and Sequence for Wisconsin K-12 Civics Education.” Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, 18 Oct. 2023, dpi.wi.gov/social-studies/suggested-scope-and-sequence-wisconsin-k-12-civics-education.
Let your voice be heard regarding a proposed required Civics Course - AB898
There is a bill in the assembly- PUBLIC HEARINGS scheduled 1/17/2-24:
In late 2023 a bill was introduced in the Wisconsin Senate that would require students to take a semester of civics to graduate from high school. A companion bill was also introduced in the Assembly (read the text here: AB 898). On Wednesday (1/17/24) a public hearing for the bill is scheduled in the Assembly Committee on Education.
How can I have my voice heard about this bill?
You can submit testimony that speaks to the importance of non-partisan civics education, and the need to invest in civic learning.
In preparing your comments, you are welcome and encouraged to draw on the following resources:
There are three ways that you can make your voice heard:
1)Testify in-person on Wednesday, January 17th at 9:30am: You will register to testify in person when you arrive at the hearing. If you have never testified at a public hearing see this six page so you know what to expect: How to testify at a public hearing (from the Legislative Council). The hearing will be held in the North Hearing Room (2nd Floor North).
2) Submit written comments to the committee before the hearing: If you are not able to attend, you may submit written comments to the Assembly Education Committee by emailing the clerk, Bob Delaporte <[email protected]>. The Wisconsin Civic Learning Coalition asks that you please copy <[email protected]> so we have a record. You can submit comments as an individual or on behalf of an organization that you represent. Be sure to request that your comments be distributed to the committee members, and included in the Legislative Council materials for the bill. (see this sample of testimony submitted on the recent bill as an example of the record created)
3) Contact members of the committee directly: If you live in the district of any of the representatives on the Education Committee (see list below) consider calling or emailing them directly as a constituent. The Wisconsin Civic Learning Coalition encourages you to copy <[email protected]> so they can track your contacts.
Representative Kitchens (Chair)
Representative Dittrich (Vice-Chair)
Representative Binsfeld
Representative Duchow
Representative Mursau
Representative Nedweski
Representative Penterman
Representative Rozar
Representative Wichgers
Representative Wittke
Representative Shelton
Representative Considine
Representative Myers
Representative Andraca
Representative Hong
Still not sure or have questions? Contact WCSS President Sarah Kopplin or one of your WCSS Board of Directors representatives or the WCLS Coordinator and Co-Chair Kate Ullman.
Sarah Kopplin
WCSS President
[email protected]
Kate Ullman
WCLC Coordinator and Co-Chair
[email protected]
In late 2023 a bill was introduced in the Wisconsin Senate that would require students to take a semester of civics to graduate from high school. A companion bill was also introduced in the Assembly (read the text here: AB 898). On Wednesday (1/17/24) a public hearing for the bill is scheduled in the Assembly Committee on Education.
How can I have my voice heard about this bill?
You can submit testimony that speaks to the importance of non-partisan civics education, and the need to invest in civic learning.
In preparing your comments, you are welcome and encouraged to draw on the following resources:
- Summary of Wisconsin Civic Learning Coalition discussion of AB898.
- Information and statistics to make the case for civic learning (thanks to CivXNow!)
- Your own personal experiences and expertise related to civic learning.
There are three ways that you can make your voice heard:
1)Testify in-person on Wednesday, January 17th at 9:30am: You will register to testify in person when you arrive at the hearing. If you have never testified at a public hearing see this six page so you know what to expect: How to testify at a public hearing (from the Legislative Council). The hearing will be held in the North Hearing Room (2nd Floor North).
2) Submit written comments to the committee before the hearing: If you are not able to attend, you may submit written comments to the Assembly Education Committee by emailing the clerk, Bob Delaporte <[email protected]>. The Wisconsin Civic Learning Coalition asks that you please copy <[email protected]> so we have a record. You can submit comments as an individual or on behalf of an organization that you represent. Be sure to request that your comments be distributed to the committee members, and included in the Legislative Council materials for the bill. (see this sample of testimony submitted on the recent bill as an example of the record created)
3) Contact members of the committee directly: If you live in the district of any of the representatives on the Education Committee (see list below) consider calling or emailing them directly as a constituent. The Wisconsin Civic Learning Coalition encourages you to copy <[email protected]> so they can track your contacts.
Representative Kitchens (Chair)
Representative Dittrich (Vice-Chair)
Representative Binsfeld
Representative Duchow
Representative Mursau
Representative Nedweski
Representative Penterman
Representative Rozar
Representative Wichgers
Representative Wittke
Representative Shelton
Representative Considine
Representative Myers
Representative Andraca
Representative Hong
Still not sure or have questions? Contact WCSS President Sarah Kopplin or one of your WCSS Board of Directors representatives or the WCLS Coordinator and Co-Chair Kate Ullman.
Sarah Kopplin
WCSS President
[email protected]
Kate Ullman
WCLC Coordinator and Co-Chair
[email protected]
Position Statements
Racial Injustices
The Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies would like to share our condolences and concern about the unnecessary and tragic loss of Black lives in the United States. These events also force us to take time to reflect upon the treatment of marginalized people and the many lives lost due to race, religion, or sexual orientation and gender identity. We agree with the National Council for Social Studies that “these actions are against the civic values and practices we teach all students through social studies education.” WCSS believes we should be better and seek ways to work more effectively at offering opportunities to model inclusivity, empathy, justice, and equity. WCSS stands by our mission statement to promote “professional growth and development of educators which in turn will help young people develop the ability to make informed and responsible decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society.”
WCSS continues to believe that K-12 social studies education is more important today than ever before and we are committed to be intentional in our advocacy of social studies education in all schools and in all classrooms in Wisconsin. As we move forward, WCSS will review and revise our mission statement to ensure our dedication in promoting, supporting, and modeling anti-racist and culturally responsive education. We will work with experts in the field to help guide us as an organization so that we can support educators throughout Wisconsin and, in turn, help our young people to become responsible citizens in a culturally diverse and democratic society.
*Link to WCSS Mission Statement
The Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies would like to share our condolences and concern about the unnecessary and tragic loss of Black lives in the United States. These events also force us to take time to reflect upon the treatment of marginalized people and the many lives lost due to race, religion, or sexual orientation and gender identity. We agree with the National Council for Social Studies that “these actions are against the civic values and practices we teach all students through social studies education.” WCSS believes we should be better and seek ways to work more effectively at offering opportunities to model inclusivity, empathy, justice, and equity. WCSS stands by our mission statement to promote “professional growth and development of educators which in turn will help young people develop the ability to make informed and responsible decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society.”
WCSS continues to believe that K-12 social studies education is more important today than ever before and we are committed to be intentional in our advocacy of social studies education in all schools and in all classrooms in Wisconsin. As we move forward, WCSS will review and revise our mission statement to ensure our dedication in promoting, supporting, and modeling anti-racist and culturally responsive education. We will work with experts in the field to help guide us as an organization so that we can support educators throughout Wisconsin and, in turn, help our young people to become responsible citizens in a culturally diverse and democratic society.
*Link to WCSS Mission Statement
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