Dr. Ron Evans wins Exemplary Research Award

 Dr. Ron Evans was selected as the 2011 winner of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Exemplary Research in Social Studies Award based on his book  The Hope for American School Reform: The Cold War Pursuit of Inquiry Learning in Social Studies (New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011).

The National Council for the Social Studies sponsors this annual research award designed to recognize a single piece of exemplary scholarship in the field of social studies and social education.

Professor Evan’s outstanding book provides an insightful historical analysis of the reform in social studies teaching in the public schools. The new social studies was a 1960’s attempt to transform the teaching of history and the social sciences in the schools. With origins in the Cold War, the movement sought to develop critical thinkers through inquiry and discover. Though it led to a veritable treasure trove of innovative materials, the revolution envisions by its proponents never materialized.  Engagingly written and drawing on previously untapped archival sources, this book offers a crucial perspective on current reform efforts.