Teaching social studies powerfully and authentically begins with a deep knowledge and understanding of the subject and its unique goals. Social studies programs prepare students to identify, understand, and work to solve our diverse nation's challenges in an increasingly interdependent world. Education for citizenship should help students acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will prepare them to be competent and responsible citizens throughout their lives. Competent and responsible citizens are informed and thoughtful, participate in their communities, are involved politically, and exhibit moral and civic virtues.
Historical thinking is at the center of high-level instruction and assessment and must be prevalent in every lesson every day for students to achieve high-level academic success. For our students to have happy, successful, and thriving futures, they must have the skills and knowledge to achieve their goals in a global world. Classroom instruction will include high-quality lessons focusing on engaging students in historical thinking and analyzing authentic and culturally relevant tasks.