National Council for Social Studies (NCSS)

NCSS Curriculum Standards for Social Studies: Strands Across All Grade Levels

Why People Live in New Orleans supports learning these national social studies thematic strands:

• III, People, Places, and Environments: This book is specifically about the study of and interaction among the people, places, and environment in the greater New Orleans area, as well as how these relate to the nation and world. Facts, commentary, maps, photographs, interviews, and personal narrative provide geographic, social, cultural, economic, civic, and environmental information. Bibliographic references and a list of resources add sources for expanding and deepening areas of interest.

The book also lends itself to learning about:

• I, Culture, particularly the diversity of linguistic and cultural influences on the New Orleans area, many of which are recognizable influences on the nation and world

• II, Time, Continuity and Change, examining the relationship of the New Orleans area and its changes to the rest of the nation and world in the past, present, and projected future, as well as how residents’ and outsiders’ personal connections to these affect their points of view, decisions, and consequences

• IX, Global Connections, especially the realities of global interdependence; the cultural complexities of states and nations as they respond to global events and changes; and the personal, national, and global decisions, interactions, and consequences when addressing critical issues

• X: Civic Ideals, exploring rights and responsibilities, the role of the citizen, making a positive difference, balancing individual dignity and the common good, community service, and use of the democratic process to influence public policy