Advocating for Social Studies: Becoming AGENTS for Change

In this article, the authors emphasize the role of elementary social studies teachers as citizen activists and reformers. The authors call upon all teachers to become AGENTS for change in order to strengthen the role of social studies in elementary schools, to guarantee that all students have an equitable opportunity to learn social studies, and to ensure the development of a citizenry who have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to participate in a globally interdependent society. The authors have created the acronym AGENTS to inspire people who are willing to promote change for a greater purpose. Each letter of the acronym represents their interpretation of the leadership qualities and actions that one should aim for in this effort. They provide a description of each step in the process of becoming AGENTS for change, with suggested activities and resources. (Contains 14 notes.)