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Social Studies
Hands on the past

The Social Studies curriculum in Rockdale County Public Schools is designed to integrate instruction of the social studies disciplines including history, geography, civics/government, economics, and sociology through effective teaching practices and active learning experiences. The primary purpose of social studies is to help students develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions as a participatory citizen in a culturally diverse, democratic society and interdependent world. Based on the belief of the worth and dignity of each individual, the program provides an environment for the examination of issues in an atmosphere of mutual respect and self-worth.

Grade

Content Focus

K

Symbols of America

1

American Heroes

2

Georgia, My State

3

United States History:  American Indian Cultures through Colonization

4

United States History:  Revolution to Reconstruction

5

United States History:  Industrialization to the Digital Age

6

Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada, Europe, and Australia

7

Africa, Southwest Asia (Middle East), Southern and Eastern Asia

8

Georgia Studies

9

American Government

10

World History

11

United States History

12

Personal Finance and Economics

Electives

 

Current Issues, Psychology, Sociology, World Geography, Ethnic Studies and other state approved courses

     

Goals:

The goal of social studies in RCPS is to empower students with the ability to be lifelong learners who:
 -enable themselves and others to achieve academic and personal excellence.
 -respect themselves and all members of our global society.
 -apply knowledge and relevance to understand how events of the past and present impact the 
development of our future.
 -recognize their responsibilities as an active citizen in a democratic society and the global community.
 -effectively become individual mechanisms for change.
 -engage in, promote, and recognize active awareness of how history affects our daily lives.


We believe that:

- involvement of all stakeholders imparts skills and knowledge necessary for effective citizenship in a democracy.
- parental involvement improves student success.
- diversity promotes a global perspective in understanding the differences, commonalities, tolerance, and acceptance of all.
- students excel through innovative uses of technology.
- creativity supports critical thinking beyond the classroom.
- students are empowered by taking ownership in their education, becoming lifelong learners.
- social studies content surrounds students' daily lives.
- social studies is an in-depth study of content, not merely covering facts and trivia.
- effective instruction incorporates a variety of rich resources.
- hands-on and field experiences assist with making connections.
- social studies is a gateway to all we have been, what we are now, and what we could be!

Social Studies Shifts:
As the demand to better prepare students for college and career readiness has increased, the structure and function of the Social Studies classroom has changed.  Student knowledge should expand beyond the memorization of facts.  At least once per unit, all students should:

 -Analyze visual and written text
 -Work in cooperative learning groups
  -Utilize academic vocabulary by reading increasingly complex texts
  -Be guided in argumentation
  -Be able to craft historical arguments from historical evidence
  -Write purposefully
  -Use chronological and/or process reasoning
  -Demonstrate thematic understanding
  -Use technology (research, creation, discussion, new programs)

RCPS Social Studies Look-Fors


Special Programs

Civic Engagement Diploma Seal

                                  Civic Engagement Diploma Seal Flier                                                         
 
Social Studies Fair, Grade 5 ONLY
                                        Stock Image of Student Research                                                                                                                 

The Social Studies Fair provides eager students an opportunity "to explore what social studies has to do with our daily lives, as well as teachers, parents, other educators, and community members who support them. The Georgia Social Studies Fairs lead students, through competition, to learn, practice, and perfect research processes that can and should be used now and in the future to make informed decisions that impact both today and posterity. The research practices encouraged by the local, regional, and state fairs have been included in the Georgia curriculum for many years and are referred to as Information Processing Skills in the Georgia Standards of Excellence."

-Pam Roach, Georgia Council for the Social Studies Social Studies Fair Coordinator

School fairs are held each year by the end of December each year.  Student projects who meet the criteria advance to the Rockdale County Public Schools District Social Studies Fair.  


National History Day, Grades 6-12

                                                                                                                                                                                                    National History Day logo


National History Day is a year-long educational program that culminates in a national contest every JuneIt is a nonprofit organization that encourages middle and high school students to engage in primary historical research projects through year-long academic programs and contestsThe program teaches critical thinking, writing, and research skills; prepares students for college, work, and citizenship; and inspires students to do more than they ever thought they couldNational History Day is an exciting way for students to study and learn about historical issues, ideas, people, and events.  

Rockdale County Public Schools students are able to submit a project at their school.  If the project meets the criteria, students may advance to the South Metro Region competition.  



Contact Information:

     
Virnilisa Printup - Social Studies Coordinator
Dr. Wisteria Williams- Social Studies Coach (Secondary)

 

       

Links:

Georgia Standards of Excellence - Social Studies
Georgia Council for the Social Studies
Georgia Council on Economic Education
Georgia Humanities Council
 
National Council for the Social Studies
 National History Day