Philosophy on Teaching Social Studies

 

Effective social studies instruction incorporates multiple means to ensure powerful social studies learning.

 

• Instruction is based on Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCE) and benchmarks.

• Effective social studies teachers celebrate and capitalize on students' diversities to create an inclusive learning community that fosters globally sensitive and aware citizens.

• Powerful social studies teaching is meaningful, integrative, value-based, active, and challenging.

• Lessons are embedded in the core democratic values.

• Students collaborate to explore and find deeper meaning in human relationships, interactions, inventions, and their implications on past, present, and future.

• Students use prior knowledge and reasoning to participate in purposeful and appropriate discussion. 

• Through critical thinking and problem solving, students discover the foundation and principles that underlie our core democratic values. 

• Teachers promote and aid student participation in their school and community.

• The goal of social studies teaching is to produce responsible, active members of society.

• Social studies comprehension is made relevant through its integration in all subjects.

• Students explore a variety of texts, medias, and technology to support social studies concepts and facilitate active participation in appropriate communities. 

• Teachers are role models; they are active members of their school, community, and society. Teachers practice active, responsible, and respectful citizenship.