Social Studies

Social Studies education helps students understand their roots, see their connections to the past, recognize the commonality of people across time, and recognize and understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Social Studies students at the elementary level study history, geography, economics, government, and civics to help them become better critical thinkers and responsible citizens in our American system of democracy.

Social Studies education in New York State has recently been redefined, restructured, and reorganized. The following is an excerpt from EngageNY.org:

The New York State K-12 Social Studies Framework is designed to prepare students for college, career and civic life with courses that are rigorous and aligned to New York State Learning Standards, both Common Core and Social Studies. This framework integrates existing New York State Learning Standards and the New York State Core Curriculum for Social Studies into a single 3-part document.  It incorporates the New York State Common Core Learning Standards and recommends the use of the Inquiry Arc (*see below) as instructional methodology. Social studies practices are identified, as well as the key ideas, conceptual understandings and content specifications.

 *Inquiry Arc

1. Developing questions and planning inquiries;
2. Applying disciplinary concepts and tools;
3. Evaluating sources and using evidence; and
4. Communicating conclusions and taking informed action

More information about the New York State K-12 Social Studies Framework can be found at the Engage NY Web site (click here).