MAJOR CONCEPTS

1. Cultural – Social Institutions (Value Systems)
2. Geographic Locations and Relationships
3. Political Institutions and Ideologies
4. Economic Institutions
5. Historical Chronology
6. Historic Movements – Trends

Students in grades 9 – 11 are required to take the prescribed Social Studies program.  They will be placed in one of the three achievement levels based on the leveling criteria.  A variety of expectations, texts, support materials, and teaching strategies will be employed to meet the specific objectives of each level.

The goal of the Social Studies Curriculum is the development of autonomous, life-long learners who can think and act independently.  The Graduation Performance Expectations’ Learner Outcomes and Massachusetts Frameworks drive the curriculum.

Learner Outcomes

Specific Learner Outcomes: skills, knowledge, understandings, values, attitudes and attributes which are essential to the total development of all students, are introduced and assessed as the student progresses through the integrated program of social studies.  Competency reinforcement is on going and encouraged by varied instructional techniques, hands-on learning in interdisciplinary activities.  The Learner Outcomes in each course are the major components of each course.  The content/concepts/skills of each course help to define the character and serve the primary function of being the means through which Learner Outcomes are addressed.

The following Learner Outcomes are the focus of the Social Studies Program.  However, there are numerous other Learner Outcomes that are aligned with various courses offered in the Social Studies Program.

1. Pursue learning independently
2. Acquire and apply knowledge
3. Show a spirit of inquiry
4. Demonstrate learning processes involving multiple strategies
5. Communicate and collaborate effectively
6. Think critically and solve problems creatively
7. Become independent competent users of technology
8. Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the arts
9. Challenge themselves & take appropriate risks to be active, independent lifelong learners
10. Demonstrate a respect for diversity
11. Demonstrate respect for themselves and others as worthy, capable, and ethical individuals
12. Demonstrate behaviors that promote physical and emotional well being
13. Demonstrate an understanding and responsibility for global and environmental issues
14. Understand the role of responsible citizenship
15. Show commitment to service to self, family, school, and community
     

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Curriculum Documents

• American Studies

• Contemporary Issues

• Modern European History

• Public Speaking

• Sociology

• US History Advanced

• US History Honors

• World History 1

• World History II