SS is a common abbreviation used in schools that can stand for a few different things depending on the context. The most common meanings of SS in an academic setting are:
Social Studies
One of the most common uses of SS is to refer to Social Studies – a core subject area that is part of the curriculum in most schools in the United States and other countries. Social Studies encompasses history, geography, civics, government, economics, sociology, and other related subjects.
When SS stands for Social Studies, it is typically used to refer to a Social Studies course or class period. For example, a student’s schedule may list “SS” as one of their subjects, meaning they have Social Studies class at that time. Teachers and faculty may also use SS to refer to the Social Studies department or teachers.
Examples
- “I have SS first period on Mondays.”
- “Mr. Jones is my SS teacher this year.”
- “I left my SS book in my locker.”
Student Services
SS can also stand for Student Services in some school contexts. Student Services typically refers to the division or department that provides services and support to students outside of academics.
Student Services may include counselors, psychologists, social workers, health services, special education services, tutoring services, career counseling, and other specialized staff and programs.
When referring to Student Services, SS is often used alongside a specific position or service such as “SS Counselor” or “SS Office.”
Examples
- “I need to stop by the SS office to schedule a meeting with my counselor.”
- “The SS counselor said she would provide some strategies to help me with test anxiety.”
- “I’ll be late to class because I have a meeting with the SS psychologist.”
Secret Service
In some instances, SS can stand for Secret Service – a federal law enforcement agency that provides protection services for important political figures, visits from foreign dignitaries, and major events. The Secret Service also investigates financial crimes.
While less common, schools may occasionally use SS to refer to the Secret Service, particularly when important government officials like the President or Vice President visit a school. In these cases, SS refers to the Secret Service agents providing security and protection.
Examples
- “Police and SS have been scoping out our school all week before the President’s visit.”
- “We had to go through special security checks because SS was protecting the foreign ambassador who spoke at our assembly.”
- “SS agents checked out the stage and auditorium thoroughly with bomb-sniffing dogs before the event.”
Study Skills
In some instances, SS may stand for Study Skills – a class or program focused on developing positive academic habits and learning strategies.
Study Skills courses aim to teach students techniques for managing time effectively, taking useful notes, preparing for exams, retaining information, collaborating successfully, regulating attention, and otherwise improving their learning and preparation skills.
This use of SS is less common but can be seen in schools that offer Study Skills as an elective course or as part of a special program for certain students.
Examples
- “I opted to take SS as my elective because I struggled last year.”
- “I’ve been assigned to take SS this quarter to help get my grade up in math.”
- “The SS teacher showed us a great strategy for creating flashcards.”
When is SS Used in Schools?
To summarize when SS is likely to be used in an academic context:
| Term | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Social Studies | History, civics, geography and related subjects | SS class, SS book, SS teacher |
| Student Services | Counseling, mental health, special ed services | SS counselor, SS office |
| Secret Service | Federal law enforcement agency | SS agents, SS security checks |
| Study Skills | Course on academic strategies and learning skills | Take SS elective, SS teacher |
The meaning depends on the situation – Social Studies and Student Services are likely the most widely used in everyday school contexts.
Conclusion
SS has several potential meanings in an academic setting, but predominantly refers to Social Studies or Student Services depending on the context. When seeing SS on a class schedule, school paperwork, or hearing it in verbal communication, it is typically shorthand for either Social Studies or Student Services. The other meanings like Secret Service and Study Skills do appear occasionally as well.
Being aware that SS has multiple meanings can help avoid confusion and misunderstanding in academic communication and documentation. It is one of the many common abbreviations used in education to refer to roles, classes, departments, and services. Knowing the context where the abbreviation SS appears makes its intended meaning clear.