5. Goals and Curriculum Strands
Knowledge and Cultural Understanding
– History and the other humanities, geography,
and the social sciences
Democratic Understanding and Civic
Values
– National identity, constitutional heritage, civic
values, and rights and responsibilities
Skills attainment and Social Participation
– Basic study skills, critical thinking skills, and
participation skills that are essential for
effective citizenship
6. Historical Literacy
Develop research skills and a sense of
historical empathy
Understand the meaning of time and
chronology
Analyze cause and effect
Understand the reasons for continuity and
change
Recognize history as common memory, with
political implications
Understand the importance of religion,
philosophy, and other major belief systems in
history.
7. Ethical Literacy
Recognize the sanctity of life and
the dignity of the individual
Understand ways in which
different societies have tried to
resolve ethical issues
Understand that the ideas people
profess affect their behavior
Realize that concern for ethics
and human rights is universal and
represents the aspirations of men
and women in every time and
place
8. Cultural Literacy
Understand the rich, complex nature of a given culture:
– Drama, music, dance, law, religion, philosophy, architecture,
technology, science, education, sports, social structures, and
economy
Recognize the relationships among the various parts of a
nation’s cultural life
Learn about mythology, legends, values, and beliefs of a
people
Recognize that literature and art shape and reflect the
inner life of a people.
Take pride in their own cultural heritages and develop a
multicultural perspective that respects the dignity and
worth of all people.
9. Geographic Literacy
Develop an awareness of place
Develop locational skills and
understanding
Understand human and environmental
interaction
Understand human movement
Understand world regions and their
historical, cultural, economic, and political
characteristics.
10. Economic Literacy
Understand the basic economic problems
confronting all societies
Understand comparative economic systems
Understand the basic economic goals,
performance, and problems of our society
Understand the basic economic goals,
performance, and problems of our society
Understand the international economic
system
11. Sociopolitical Literacy
Understand the close relationship between
social and political systems
Understand the close relationship between
society and the law
Understand comparative political systems
13. Skills Attainment and Social
Participation
To participate effectively in society:
– Develop personal skills
– Develop group interaction skills
– Develop social and political participation
skills
Critical Thinking skills
Basic Study Skills
14. John Dewey
John Dewey - Father of Progressivism
Education and Democracy – focus on the
democratic American education ideal.
School is a democratic society in itself, preparing
students for community life.
1859-1952
15. John Dewey
Views the mind as a problem solver.
People are naturally exploring, inquiring
entities and learn through direct
experience.
The teacher is an intellectual guide or
facilitator in the problem solving process.
16. Progressivist Teaching
Group activities and group problem
solving to prepare for solving world
problems.
Stimulates students to plan and carry out
activities and research projects using group
processes and democratic procedures.
Students learn by doing and discovering.
Center on students’ interests in real
problems.
17. Questions for Brainstorming
How can you create a classroom that promotes
democratic understanding and respect for human
rights? Discuss your ideas for classroom
management, organization, and behavior
protocols that promote civic responsibility at
both primary and intermediate grade levels.
How can you promote students’ basic study
skills, critical thinking skills, and social
participation skills that prepare them for effective
citizenship in a democratic society?
How can the study of history and social studies
contribute to your students’ understanding of the
principles and values of democracy?
18. California Social Studies Index
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/hs/
Content Standards
Curriculum Frameworks
Education & the Environment Initiative
Curriculum
External Resources
Instructional Materials
Recommended Literature for Pre-K
Through Grade 12