STANDARD COURSE OF STUDY

PURPOSE

The goals and objectives of The North Carolina Social Studies Standard Course of Study closely parallel the national social studies curriculum standards. The national content standards for history, geography, civics and government, economics, and psychology support this document and provide guidance for implementing the strands across the disciplines. The intent of The North Carolina Social Studies Standard Course of Study is to meet statutory requirements and to establish competency goals and objectives for the teaching and learning of social studies in North Carolina. It is the foundation upon which teachers and curriculum specialists in each school system should develop classes or courses and instructional strategies.

In addition, The North Carolina Social Studies Standard Course of Study is designed to ensure that our state prepares students to become productive citizens. This implies an understanding of history, geography and the social sciences, social studies skills, and the processes needed for personal decision-making, participation in civic affairs, and economic productivity.

This document is the first in a series; additional documents will provide more detailed recommendations and support for implementation.

REVISIONS

The North Carolina Social Studies Standard Course of Study was last revised in 1997. Revisions in social studies education program fostering the development of rigorous social studies, K-12, are necessary because:

• research has greatly advanced our knowledge about the teaching and learning of social studies;
• changes in our society, in North Carolina, and in the larger world places new and increasing demands on our citizens, state, and nation; and
• all students must acquire the ability to think critically, to speak and write clearly and intelligently, to make decisions, to solve problems, and to be actively engaged in their roles as citizens.

In preparing this document, the social studies consultants, committees, and revision writers concurred with NCSS on several basic assumptions:

• "… social studies encompasses many more potential goals and content clusters than can be addressed adequately;" and
• "All students, K-12, should have access to the full richness of the social studies curriculum."

As a result, we relied on the North Carolina Statutes; general surveys from teachers, students, parents, community organizations, professional organizations, and institutions of higher education; statewide focus sessions; the National Standards for Social Studies, History, Economics, Civics, Geography, and Psychology; and public forums for the development of The North Carolina Social Studies Standard Course of Study. An e-group was set up on the NCDPI web site to allow interested educators, professional organizations, and citizens opportunities for review and feedback on each grade level and course. In addition, area consultants and administrators in the Department of Public Instruction and other state agencies provided input. Responses were carefully considered and modifications were made in areas deemed beneficial. Every effort was made to address current education and curriculum issues.

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