Social Studies
Social studies and history provide our students with general knowledge essential to their growth into responsible, informed citizens. In addition, our social studies and history curricula are critical to our efforts to build students' literacy skills. Students have many opportunities to read a variety of complex texts (including primary sources), hone their research skills, and engage in deep critical thinking and persuasive writing. Our Social Studies/History Instruction is based on the Massachusetts 2017 History and Social Science Framework. The new frameworks for Social Studies/History are built around a model referred to as the "3 Pillars". Where the 3 Pillars intersect is around the new standards, as illustrated below:
Students have required study history/social studies through grade 11. At the high school level, we also offer a number of elective courses that students can take including AP World History and AP European History.
Social studies at the K-8 level are supported through online, research-based and state/federally-published resources such as Students of History, the National Archives, the Library of Congress, Discovery Education, and Zinc online learning. Additionally, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education publishes links to resources for each grade level. Appropriate resources have been integrated with our Curriculum Maps and teachers are able to use others that meet district and Civil Rights standards.
Curriculum Maps
Pre-K Curriculum Map Draft_ Building a Foundation for Living, Learning and Working Together
Kindergarten Curriculum Map Draft_ Many Roles in Living, Learning, and Working Together
Grade 1 Curriculum Map Draft_ Leadership, Cooperation, Unity and Diversity
Grade 2 Curriculum Map Draft_ Global Geography_ Places and Peoples, Cultures and Resources
Grade 3 Curriculum Map Draft_ Massachusetts, Home to Many Different People
Grade 4 Curriculum Map Draft_North American Geography, History and Peoples
Grade 6 Curriculum Map Draft_World Geography and Ancient Civilizations I
Grade 7 Curriculum Map Draft_ World Geography and Ancient Civilizations II
Grade 8 Curriculum Map Draft_ the United States and Massachusetts Government and Civic Life
College Board Advanced Placement Course Links:
The Constitution
The National Constitution Center brings innovative teaching tools to your classroom. Our unique approach to constitutional education emphasizes historic storytelling, constitutional rather than political questions, and the habits of civil dialogue and reflection.
Explore the Constitution’s text, meaning, and history with leading constitutional scholars, including a Media Library for videos, podcasts, blog posts, and educational resources updated daily.
National Constitution Center Join us online for constitutional conversations, remote learning resources, videos, podcasts and more.
People's History
Search teaching resources by topic and grade.
Explore the many resources on the Zinn Education Project website
The White House Resources
Industrial History
Field Trips and In-school Standards-based, Hands-on Education Programs
John F. Kennedy and Edward M. Kennedy
Virtual Field Trips
Follows Dr. John Y. Cole through the halls of the Library of Congress, and listens to Dr. Cole provide the history behind the architecture, structure, and purpose of the LOC.
Additional Teacher Websites
Our mission is to help teachers and schools educate children and youth to be active participants in a diverse democracy.
We stand up. We create space for each other. We act with empathy and kindness. We listen first and listen actively. We are curious.
Books
The Gardener by Sarah Sweet
Book Resources
Children's Book Council and National Council for the Social Studies Notable Social Studies Trade Books 2021
