Minnesota Social Studies Standards

Marshall Manson of the Center states, "A meaningful knowledge of American government and the Constitution are essential if citizens are going to be truly free,"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 3, 2004

Contact: Marshall Manson

703.535.5836

Center Supports Minnesota Social Studies Standards

Understanding of basic civics is essential for maintaining liberty

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Center for Individual Freedom today urged Minnesota state legislators to adopt the proposed social studies standards now pending before the House Education Policy Committee.

"A meaningful knowledge of American government and the Constitution are essential if citizens are going to be truly free," said Marshall Manson, the Center’s Vice President of Public Affairs, in the letter. "People who understand how their government works, the scope of its authority, and their ability to influence decision-making are more active and effective members of our democracy."

The letter, sent to Education Policy Chair Barb Sykora, pointed to recent studies that demonstrate too many of America’s students are deficient in their understanding of American history and government.

"Minnesota’s proposed social studies standards represent an outstanding effort to reverse this problem," said Manson. "We urge you and your colleagues to authorize and implement these standards."

The Education Policy Committee will consider the standards and the bill to authorize them in the coming days.

As a part of its activities, the Center supports social studies curricula which require an understanding of American history and government. The Center is a non-partisan, non-profit organization based in Alexandria, Virginia, and is dedicated to protecting individual liberty and standing up for the Constitution.

"Individuals can only protect their rights if they understand them and are aware of government activity and authority," said Manson. "We ought to be teaching students the basics, and too often, we’re not. A solid social studies curriculum, with meaningful accountability measures, is an excellent way of making sure students are equipped with the tools they need to be active citizens."

For more information, visit www.cfif.org.

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• To download a copy of the letter, sent to Education Policy Chair Barb Sykora, click here.
  

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