K-12 Social Studies Market 2024-2025

K-12 Social Studies Market 2024-2025


Simba Information’s K-12 Social Studies Market 2024-2025 report provides an in-depth analysis of trends shaping social studies education in the U.S., covering market growth, emerging curricular priorities, and educator needs. The report, which includes findings from Simba Information’s October 2024 survey as well as in-depth industry research, forecasts the market to grow to more than $760 million in 2024. Findings highlight a gradual adoption of AI in classrooms, primarily for lesson planning, while standards alignment, student engagement, and usability remain top selection factors for educators. Key curriculum additions include civics, financial literacy, and media literacy, reflecting a shift toward practical and relevant content. Amid legislative shifts, providers like Pearson and McGraw Hill lead in core curriculum, while digital-first supplemental resources continue to expand, supporting diverse perspectives and inclusive education. This report offers essential insights for those engaged in the evolving social studies market.


  • Executive Summary
    • Key Findings
  • Methodology
  • Overview of the Social Studies Education Landscape
    • Definition of Social Studies
      • Table Nationwide Key Thematic Focus Areas in Social Studies Curriculum; by grade level
    • Shifting Curriculum Standards
    • Trends in Modernizing Curricula
      • Transparent Processes
      • Research-Based and Evidence-Grounded
      • Equity-Focused
      • Inclusivity
      • Continuous Improvement
      • Instructional Time and Resources
  • Social Studies Curriculum Landscape
    • Overview of Core and Supplementary Materials
    • Trends in Social Studies Curricula
      • Integration of Primary Sources
      • Multicultural and Global Perspectives
      • Digital vs. Print Materials
    • Evaluation and Adoption Processes
      • State-led Reviews
      • District-led Reviews
      • Teacher-user Reviews
    • Key Decision-makers
      • State-Level Decision-Making
      • District-Level Decision-Making
      • School-Level Decision-Making
    • Implications and Recommendations
    • Key Developments in Adoption and Rejection
  • Company Profiles
    • Core Material Providers
      • Cengage Group (Boston, MA)
      • Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) (Boston, MA)
      • Imagine Learning (Scottsdale, AZ)
      • McGraw Hill (New York, NY)
      • Pearson (London, UK)
      • Savvas Learning Company (Paramus, NJ)
      • Social Studies School Service (Culver City, CA)
      • Teachers' Curriculum Institute (TCI) (Palo Alto, CA)
      • WW Norton (New York, NY)
    • Supplemental Material Providers
      • Discovery Education (Charlotte, NC)
      • Edmentum (Bloomington, MN)
      • Frog Street Press (Southlake, TX)
      • IXL Learning (San Mateo, CA)
      • Khan Academy (Mountain View, CA)
      • National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) (Silver Spring, MD)
      • Scholastic (New York, NY)
  • Teacher Preferences and Needs When Selecting Instructional Materials
    • Factors Influencing Material Selection
      • Alignment with Standards
      • Student Engagement
      • Comprehensive and Balanced Content
    • Desired Features in Instructional Materials
      • Cultural Relevance
      • Adaptability for Different Learning Styles
    • Impact of Political and Social Factors on Choices
      • Restrictions on Teaching Divisive Topics
      • Community and Parental Influences
    • The Status of K–5 Social Studies Classroom Instruction
    • Conclusion
  • Emerging Trends and Innovations in Social Studies Education
    • Post-COVID Learning Loss Adjustments in Social Studies Education
    • Use of AI and Technology in Curriculum Development, Teaching, Learning, and Tutoring Products
    • Financial Literacy, Media Literacy, and Civic Education Trends
    • Focus on Diversity (CRT, DEI, Gender, History Interpretations)
      • Characteristics of Rejected Texts
      • Sample State Standards
      • Response and Role of Educational Publishers
  • Impact of CRT, DEI, and Historical Interpretations in Education
    • Characteristics of Rejected Texts
    • Sample State Standards
    • Anti-CRT Legislation
    • Response by Publishers and Broader Stakeholders
    • Implications and Recommendations for Publishers
      • Monitoring Legal Landscape and Adapting to Changes
      • Clarifying CRT and DEI Concepts
      • Ensuring Accuracy and Balance
      • Creating Flexible and Customizable Materials
      • Providing Comprehensive Support for Educators
    • Final Reflections
  • State of the Social Studies Market
    • Market Size Estimates for Social Studies
    • Social Studies Share of Market
    • Demand Drivers for Market Growth in the K-12 Social Studies Segment
    • Market Segmentation
      • Middle School versus High School
        • Table Total Enrollment in Public elementary and secondary institution; in millions Fall 2022
    • Digital versus Print
      • Table Share of Social Studies Instructional Materials; Print vs Digital; 2024
    • Market Breakdown and Analysis
    • Core versus Supplemental
  • Challenges and Gaps in Social Studies Education
    • Identified Gaps in Current Curricula
    • Needs for Professional Development
    • Professional Learning Activities
      • Principals' Perspectives on Professional Learning Needs
      • Equity Concerns in Professional Development
      • The Role of Principals in Professional Development
      • Recommendations for Strengthening Professional Development
    • Importance of High-Quality Instructional Resources
    • Impact of Legislation on Curriculum Content
      • Specific State-Level Examples of Legislative Impact
      • Variability in Standards and Accountability Across States
      • Federal Legislation: Impact of ESSA and NCLB
    • Addressing Literacy and Reading Challenges
  • Analysis of Simba National Survey of Social Studies Instruction
    • Educator Profiles and School Types
      • Curriculum Satisfaction and Retention of Programs
      • Integration of New Topics and Emerging Subject Areas
      • Spending Patterns in Social Studies Instruction
      • Decision-Making in Curriculum Selection
      • Professional Development and Training Needs
    • Final Observations
  • Strategic Recommendations for Publishers in Social Studies Education
    • Quality Content
    • Promoting the Adoption of High-Quality, Inclusive Materials (HQIM)
    • Supporting Teachers with Comprehensive Resources and Training Materials
    • Navigating Political and Social Challenges

Download our eBook: How to Succeed Using Market Research

Learn how to effectively navigate the market research process to help guide your organization on the journey to success.

Download eBook
Cookie Settings