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Research

1. The following research supports the implementation of this pilot.

2. “The primary purpose of social studies is to help young people develop the ability to make
informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse,
democratic society in an interdependent world (National Council of Social Studies).”

3. “Working with students to help them gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become
informed decision makers in a democratic society is a powerful responsibility. The study of
social studies is much more than memorizing historical facts; geographical statistics; or
government, civic, and economic terminology. It is really about problem solving, decision
making, reflective inquiry, and critical thinking. More than any other academic area, it is
about helping students become strategic thinkers responsible for decisions that impact our
society. They must be strategic in their reading and be able to comprehend and use what
they read to make informed decisions and choices in the world in which they live (Doty,
Cameron and Barton).”

4. “History requires particular kinds of reading and writing strategies that are critical to
students being college-, career-, and citizenship-ready (teachinghistory.org).”

5. “Literacy was central to the work that students were doing in history classrooms
(teachinghistory.org).”

6. “However, for students in grades seven through 12, effect size was 1.22, significantly larger.
Interventions included graphic organizers, mnemonics (i.e. using visuals to remember
vocabulary or content), guided notes, and multicomponent interventions. These results
indicate that literacy practices delivered within social studies impact outcomes in all grades,
and particularly among students in the upper grades (Swanson).”

District Need

Percentage of F’s for 9 Grade Pre-AP World History and Geography (1 Semester 2019-2020)
st
th

Campus
Course Central East South
Pre-AP WHG 5.66 8.18 14.63
Pre-AP WHG CT 0.00 0.00 0.00

Financial Impact

There is no negative financial impact on the district for piloting this course. ELA staffing remains
level, specifically reading teachers. Social Studies staffing remain level.

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EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/EDUCATOR