Social Science Curriculum & Standards
A strong Social Sciences or Social Studies education is essential for creating informed and engaged citizens who are empowered to improve their lives, communities, and the world.
Students must develop critical thinking skills to observe, question, and interpret the complex social, cultural, and historical dynamics that shape their lives. They achieve this through active engagement in the following practices of social studies as outlined in various educational standards:
- Asking questions and defining problems related to social issues
- Developing and using models to understand societal structures and processes
- Planning and carrying out investigations into historical events and contemporary issues
- Analyzing and interpreting data from various sources, including primary and secondary documents
- Using critical thinking and reasoning to evaluate different perspectives and arguments
- Constructing explanations and designing solutions to societal challenges
- Engaging in debate and discussion from evidence-based viewpoints
- Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information effectively and responsibly
Through engagement in these practices, students will build a deep understanding of the core ideas of social studies, including civics, geography, economics, and history. They will develop the ability to apply concepts across disciplines, fostering an intuitive sense of how societies function and evolve. Students will become critical thinkers who develop solution-focused ideas and evidence-based perspectives, preparing them to address personal, community, and global challenges.
For students to achieve these goals, teachers will provide varied opportunities for students to engage in rigorous, accessible, and challenging curricula while promoting student-centered instruction. Inquiry-based tasks should leverage the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities of each student in a collaborative environment. Curriculum, instruction, and assessment must be differentiated to meet the needs of each learner, be relevant to the lives of students, utilize appropriate technology, and have a real-world context. Through these experiences, students will learn to challenge their assumptions, critically consume information, and act independently in a democratic society.