National Council for the Social Studies

About

The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) is a non-profit professional association based in Silver Spring, Maryland, established in 1921. It advocates for high-quality social studies education, focusing on civic competence and informed decision-making in diverse, democratic societies. NCSS provides leadership and resources to educators, enhancing social studies curricula through interdisciplinary approaches that include history, geography, economics, political science, and anthropology. The organization offers professional development through training, conferences, and workshops. It also publishes *Social Education*, a peer-reviewed journal, and other educational resources. Additionally, NCSS sponsors Rho Kappa, a national honor society for high school social studies students. The council develops national curriculum standards that emphasize inquiry-based learning and civic responsibility. It serves K-12 educators, administrators, and curriculum developers, collaborating with regional affiliates to address local educational needs.