Self Study Report on Social Studies
Overview of Elementary and Middle School Approaches
The Levine Academy Social Studies program represents a rigorous, analytical approach to the field of Social Studies. The curriculumemphasizes critical thinking, deductive reasoning, research and interpretation. Classroom approaches include differentiation, discussions, student-centered group activities and leadership opportunities. In Kindergarten through the 2 nd Grade, the core of the curriculum is focused on citizenship, rights and responsibilities, map skills and geography. Students practice problem-solving, decision-making and independent-thinking skills during this time. 3 rd Grade builds on this early foundation, continuing with learning world geography, with a focus on the world, including continents and countries. In 4 th Grade students engage with Texas history and understanding our State history. In Middle School classes, the concentration enables students to understand the context and times in which events unfolded and allows students to understand geography on a deeper level. 5 th Grade consists of a ‘world tour’ in which students engage with the continents, utilizing map skills, landforms and geographic vocabulary. 6 th grade focus on Early American history, including early Exploration, Colonization, Native Americans and The American Revolution. 7 th grade curriculum then continues with American History from The Revolutionary War through the Reconstruction Era. In 8 th Grade students learn about Ancient Civilizations, Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China and includes the Neolithic and Paleolithic periods. In all grades, the approach is student focused on their role in the world and curriculum intends to broaden understanding of place in the world, while creating a deep understanding of events that came before. What it means to be an up-stander and leader is also explored at every grade level. Social Studies Overview Through the course of our Social Studies subcommittee meetings, we identified our subject area strengths, weaknesses and challenges, along with a list of priority action steps to move our program to its next level of excellence. We analyzed our classrooms and curriculum through the lens of the Levine Mission Statement and Graduate Profile.
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker