English or social studies? In Pasco, students are learning both at once

Hudson Primary School second-grade teacher Shaunna Lubecki started her students’ day on a late August morning like most others — with a heavy dose of reading and writing. With elementary grades required to have at least 90 minutes of reading instruction daily, civics and history often got the short shrift as teachers focused on mandatory reading instruction. That’s changing. In Pasco County, educators are finding ways to blend English language arts with social studies to ensure students receive a well-rounded education. The initiative aims to engage students in meaningful learning experiences that incorporate essential skills and knowledge from both subjects, fostering critical thinking and civic awareness.