2013-2014 Board of Education Proposed Budget Book

SOCIAL STUDIES – GRADES K–12
MAJOR GOALS
• To instill in all students knowledge of American and world history, government, economics, culture and society that will allow them
to be active and informed citizens.
• To develop all our students’ reading, writing, public speaking, technology and reasoning skills so that they will be able to address
issues and events from multiple perspectives.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Elementary Schools: Social studies is required of all grade K-5 students. Instruction in social studies at this level focuses on reading (fiction and
non-fiction), writing (narrative, expository, persuasive), oral presentation, technology, interdisciplinary and multicultural connections. Units of
study examine geography, the need for communities, government and laws, South Windsor, CT, American history and world culture. Culminating
experiences such as the Grade 3 Main Street Trip, Native American Trip, Grade 4 State Capitol Trip and the Grade 5 Civil War Encampment
provide students with real life connections to the subject matter.
Middle School: Social studies instruction is required of all students in grades 6-8. Classes meet five periods per week. Instruction in social studies
at this level focuses on reading (fiction and non-fiction), writing (narrative, expository, persuasive), technology, public speaking and
interdisciplinary and multicultural connections. Grade 6 students participate in a full year of Ancient World History. Grade 7 students participate
in a full year of Cultural World Geography and grade 8 students participate in a full year of United States History. Social studies instruction also
prepares students for the reading and writing portions of the Connecticut Mastery Test.
High School: Instruction in social studies at this level focuses on reading (fiction and non-fiction), writing (expository, persuasive), technology,
public speaking and interdisciplinary and multicultural connections. Three credits in social studies are required for graduation. A full year of
Modern World History and United States History is required for grade 9 and grade 10 students respectively. Grade 11 students are required to take
one semester of Civics/American Government. After completing these requirements all students are required to take one semester of elective
social studies courses which feature advanced placement classes as well as a broad array of classes in the social sciences. Social studies is also
responsible for preparing students for the reading and writing portions of the CAPT.
BUDGET NOTES
The elementary social studies budget is a maintenance budget. Books and materials are requested to continue operating programs and to augment
literacy instruction. Funds are requested to provide hands on geography materials for grade 1 and web-based materials for grade 2. Funds are also
requested to maintain field trips that have direct curricular connections with units being taught. The budget at the middle school level includes
funds to be used for purchasing fiction/non-fiction readings which will allow teachers to differentiate reading and writing instruction based on
ability and interest.
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