State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick has appointed Peggy Burke, Executive Director of the Maryland Humanities Council, and Dixie Stack, Director of Curriculum, as co-chairs of a Social Studies Task Force. The 25-member Task Force meets monthly and includes a wide variety of stakeholders - teachers, parents, students, school administrators, and representatives from historical and educational organizations, museums, and higher education. It examines critical issues related to social studies education: programs for effective instruction, assessment of student learning, professional development for teachers, and partnerships with museums and historical organizations.

Based upon its findings over the next year, the Task Force will develop a written report that will provide recommendations to Dr. Grasmick and the Maryland State Department of Education regarding social studies education in Maryland. In announcing its formation, Dr. Grasmick indicated, "I expect that the Task Force's advice and insights will strengthen social studies education and help keep Maryland schools among the best in the nation."

Read about the Council's Position Paper "A Cause for Concern - History Education in Maryland"