History & Social Science
Curriculum Guide

Grades K-12

 

Forward from the Superintendent

  Last updated:  July 3, 2003

 

It is with pleasure that I present to you the Wachusett Regional School District History & Social Science Curriculum Guide. This document, a direct result of the Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993, is the product of years of work by many of the District staff. The Wachusett Regional School District History & Social Science Curriculum Framework was revised and approved by the Wachusett Regional School District on May 29, 2003. The District's Social Studies Task Force, consisting of teachers and administrators, assumed the responsibility of developing a Curriculum Guide to assist teachers in implementing the concepts promoted by the framework.

 

The Curriculum Guide is organized in five areas, which are considered fundamental to understanding the place of man in history and the social sciences:  History, Geography, Civics, Government, and Econimics, Thematically, students will progress through the grades from an understanding of their individual place to an appreciation for of their global responsibility.

   

Wachusett Regional School District is grateful for the hours of effort contributed by many teachers and administrators in producing this document. This document can best be described as teacher-friendly, developed by teachers for teachers.

 

A curriculum is never finished but rather it is a living document, meant to be constantly revised and improved by those who use it. The distribution of this document initiates the review process as teachers use it and make improvements in their schools and classrooms. The Social Studies Task Force will continue to meet to share and record those improvements for future editions. Teachers should send contributions to the Social Studies Task Force member in their individual schools.

 

Again, the District thanks all of those who have contributed to this effort, which sets a standard for K-12 History and Social Science instruction in Wachusett Regional School District.

  

Alfred D. Tutela Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools

 

 

Mission Statement

 

The History & Social Science Curriculum Guide of Wachusett Regional School District promotes an active citizenry through the teaching of concepts that support social responsibility that include an understanding of the past, a knowledge of the globe, an appreciation of rights and responsibilities, and a concern for the future.

 

Goals

 

1. Students will gain an understanding of their nation's history.

 

2. Students will understand the importance of the relationship between theirs and nations.

 

3. Students will understand the basic concepts associated with a geographical knowledge of the world.

 

4. Students will understand the relationship between the rights and responsibilities of an educated citizenry.

 

5. Students will develop an understanding of the lessons of the past in order to make responsible decisions about the future.

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