Social studies form a large part of the school curriculum, with topics ranging from history to economics, psychology and ethnic studies. In elementary school, most social studies curriculum plans are general, providing students with an overview of the subjects they will study in detail later. In middle and high school, students have many opportunities to study certain subjects individually. Here’s what to consider when choosing a program, whether you need a general social studies curriculum or one that covers just a specific subject.
What subjects are included in the public studies?
This broad catch-all topic can include any of these topics:
- History
- Geography and culture studies
- Civil Affairs, Government, and Law
- Economics
- Psychology
- Philosophy and Ethics
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Religious and Civic Studies
- Women’s Studies
A Social Studies curriculum must have
Alignment with Standards
Currently, the general standards do not include a separate category of social studies. Instead, they include history as part of the ELA standards for grades 6-12. Many states have developed their own social studies standards, which may be based on the NCSS Social Studies Standards.
No matter what standards your school follows, make sure the curriculum you choose supports and aligns with them. In some cases, it may be better to choose a social studies curriculum that is flexible enough that you can tailor it to your specific needs.
Age Appropriate Content
Most curriculum programs state their recommended age or grade levels. In elementary school, students often get a high-level overview of a variety of social studies topics, from history and geography to public affairs and government. By middle school, social studies curriculum plans become more specific, going deeper into each subject. Make sure your curriculum is targeted to the age and ability of your students, as a high school level class may have a very different topic and expectation than one intended for 6th or 7th graders.
Diversity and Inclusion
Make sure that materials consider issues and topics from different perspectives. Every student should have the opportunity to see themselves represented in your social studies curriculum, and the opportunity to consider new ideas. Select programs that go beyond a limited Eurocentric view and include multicultural and international events, culture, and offerings.
Engagement and Engagement
Gone are the days when social studies meant reading a section from a book and answering questions with names and dates. Today’s social studies curriculum programs invite participation through activities such as service learning and project-based learning. Look for programs that provide a variety of ways for students to engage in and out of the classroom, making lessons more meaningful and personal.
Higher-Order Critical Thinking
Strong social studies programs emphasize analysis and critical thinking over memorizing names and dates. Even young students can learn to compare and contrast events and cultures, consider the effects of past events on the present and future, and make connections between the subject and their own lives. Look for curriculum plans that go beyond basic knowledge to help students apply, analyze, and evaluate what they are learning.
Multiple Test Options
Good student assessment includes formative and summative assessment, measuring learning during and after a lesson, unit, or lesson. It also offers many types of assessment, including tests, essays, projects, presentations, and more. This ensures that every student can demonstrate what they have learned, even if they are not strong testers or writers. Take the time to review the testing options offered by the programs you are considering.
Differences in Multiple Learning Styles
As every teacher knows, different students have different learning styles. Some are very advanced when reading and writing their answers. Others do better listening to audiobooks or watching videos, then responding orally. Consider the ways in which the curriculum presents information, and ensure that it will give all students an equal opportunity to succeed.
Complementary Teaching Method
How does your school view teaching and learning? Is it a traditional approach, emphasizing facts and information? Or do you prefer a question-based approach, where students explore and develop their understanding of the subject? Are you interested in interdisciplinary approaches that will connect social studies topics with other subjects such as science, literature, and the arts? Define your desired teaching and learning styles before choosing a social studies curriculum.
Social Studies Red Flags to Avoid
Inaccurate or Outdated Information
Does an American history book end with the Vietnam War and treat the Cold War as “current events”? Do the maps still show Sudan as one country instead of dividing it into two? The world is always changing, so your social studies curriculum cannot be completely up to date. But if you choose a new curriculum, choose one that has been recently updated, and check to see if it has been updated accurately.
Bias and Lack of Inclusivity
Over the past decade, many attitudes have changed dramatically (especially regarding historical perspectives), and your social studies curriculum should reflect that. For example, look for texts that take a balanced view of someone like Christopher Columbus, putting him in a larger colonial context than simply painting him as the hero who “discovered” America. The key to meaningful engagement is to seek out curriculum plans that include multiple perspectives, especially those that have been minimized or suppressed in the past.
Lack of Primary Resources
Ensure that your chosen program meets the standards of academic rigor by citing reliable and up-to-date primary sources. It should also encourage students to examine primary sources themselves, such as lectures, diaries, photographs, video, and books. Prioritize programs that improve media literacy by teaching students to recognize biased sources, and how to find other objective primary sources instead.
Overemphasis on Memorization Instead of Analysis
For many years, subjects like history or geography meant memorizing borders, populations, dates, and other statistics. Today, however, we realize that such knowledge is best used to help students analyze, think critically, and apply what they have learned to their lives and the world around them. It is OK for the curriculum to emphasize knowing the order and timing of events. But if all you’re asking students to do is memorize words, dates, and numbers, give him a pass and look at the emphasis on higher-order thinking.
Social Studies Tools and Additional Resources
Social studies is a comprehensive course, with many powerful additional tools and materials. Here are some you may need, depending on the course(s) you are covering.
What tips do you have for choosing the best social studies curriculum? Come share ideas and ask for advice in the We Are Teachers HELP HELP group on Facebook!
Plus, meet 5 Teachers Who Were Challenged With Their Classroom Materials (And How They Responded).
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