Social Studies Standards Review
A strong social studies education depends upon a clear understanding of its interrelated disciplines. Although social studies curricula vary in their breadth and depth, the Social Studies Standards reflect a focus on government, history, geography, and economics as the pillars of the content, with other disciplines within the social sciences deemed important, but not essential. With that in mind, the social studies standards include four content areas (Civics and Government, Personal Finance and Economics, Geography, History) with the application of social studies processes, knowledge, and skills embedded throughout these strands. Each strand breaks down the standard into performance expectations for each grade kindergarten through grade five and grade bands for 6-8 and 9-Diploma that include foundational and developing notations to support instruction. The standards also include an introduction, connections to Maine’s Guiding Principles. and a section of key ideas in the social studies standards.
Standards Review Process
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Step 1:
(Fall)
Commissioner gives approval to begin standards review process
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Step 2:
(Fall)
Public comment period and hearings on current content standards
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Step 3:
(Winter)
Steering Committee: A committee of content area experts who represent the cultural diversity found in Maine and a range of viewpoints as to the content of the standards is formed and tasked to:
Read More Steps...
A strong social studies education depends upon a clear understanding of its interrelated disciplines. Although social studies curricula vary in their breadth and depth, the Social Studies Standards reflect a focus on government, history, geography, and economics as the pillars of the content, with other disciplines within the social sciences deemed important, but not essential. With that in mind, the social studies standards include four content areas (Civics and Government, Personal Finance and Economics, Geography, History) with the application of social studies processes, knowledge, and skills embedded throughout these strands. Each strand breaks down the standard into performance expectations for each grade kindergarten through grade five and grade bands for 6-8 and 9-Diploma that include foundational and developing notations to support instruction. The standards also include an introduction, connections to Maine’s Guiding Principles. and a section of key ideas in the social studies standards.