Social Studies
Excellence in Social Studies: Cultivating Knowledge, Skills, and Civic Values
"Advocates of citizenship education across the political spectrum, but they are bound by a common belief that our democratic republic will not sustain unless students are aware of their changing cultural and physical environments; know the past; read, write, and think deeply; and act in ways that promote the common good." (National Council for the Social Studies [NCSS], 2013)
At Kent ISD, we aim to empower young people to become responsible, informed, and engaged citizens through a comprehensive social studies education. Guided by our core values of Excellence, Relationships, Learning, Equity, Opportunities, Innovation, and Services, we strive to develop social understanding, civic efficacy, and a commitment to democratic values in every student.
Our Goals:
Develop Disciplinary Knowledge: Equip students with a deep understanding of social sciences.
Enhance Thinking Skills: Foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities.
Promote Democratic Values: Instill a commitment to the principles of democracy.
Encourage Citizen Participation: Prepare students for active and informed civic engagement.
Learn about the MC3 Social Studies Curriculum.
Social Studies Supports and Services
Curriculum Work: Assisting with adopting instructional materials tailored to social studies education needs.
Assessments: Developing standards-aligned assessments, including PASST, to measure and enhance student learning.
Inquiry-Based Learning: Supporting the C3 Framework to promote critical thinking and problem-solving through inquiry-based learning.
Competitions and Events:
We the People: Students simulate congressional hearings to demonstrate their understanding of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Civics Bee: Middle school students compete to demonstrate civic knowledge and can qualify for a national championship in Washington, DC.
Social Studies Olympiad: This competition tests students' knowledge of civics, geography, history, and politics and promotes engagement through competitive events.
Mock Trial: Students enact case facts before actual attorneys and judges, promoting legal knowledge, teamwork, and public speaking skills.
Educational Requirements:
Constitution Day instruction
Genocide education
Personal finance literacy
Native American history
Black History
Learn more about the social studies services and support available in your district.
Social Studies Professional Learning
Explore valuable professional learning opportunities offered by Kent ISD and our partners to support educators in enhancing their teaching skills and staying informed with the latest educational trends.
Social Studies Updates and News
Social Studies Resources
Michigan K-12 Standards- Social Studies— Michigan’s Social Studies Content Expectations outline the knowledge and skills students need for success in college, career, and civic life. Revised from the 2007 standards with input from educators and the public, these standards emphasize clarity, rigor, and relevance. They incorporate the Arc of Inquiry and the C3 Framework, guiding districts in curriculum development while promoting civic engagement, critical thinking, and literacy. The standards prepare students for informed and active participation in a diverse, democratic society.
Social Studies Assessment Schedule—Michigan’s State Assessment System includes various assessments for different purposes. Stakeholder input has shaped Michigan’s assessment vision to align with the goals of Michigan’s Top 10 in 10 Years plan and comply with state and federal laws. The following tables summarize the information and guidance provided by the Office of Educational Assessment and Accountability (www.michigan.gov/oeaa), where you can learn more about Michigan’s assessment system as we move from “vision” to implementation.
Resources for Heritage and History Months you can use in your classroom.
Social Studies Research
The document "The College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards" emphasizes that social studies education is critical for preparing students for college, career, and civic life challenges. It highlights the following points:
Preparation for Civic Life: Social studies education equips students to be knowledgeable, thinking, and active citizens who understand their cultural and physical environments, know historical contexts and can read, write, and think deeply to promote the common good.
Interdisciplinary Challenges: The C3 Framework focuses on inquiry-based learning, helping students develop the capacity to analyze, explain, and argue about complex social issues. This approach ensures students are informed and capable of taking meaningful action.
Critical Literacy and Civic Engagement: Social studies education fosters critical literacy, enabling students to evaluate society and engage in civic life. This includes recognizing societal problems, developing investigations, considering solutions, and communicating and acting upon their findings.
Holistic Development: The framework supports the development of key disciplinary skills and concepts across civics, economics, geography, and history. This multidisciplinary approach prepares students for effective participation in democratic processes and their future roles in society.
Overall, the document underscores the vital role of social studies in creating informed, engaged, and responsible citizens capable of contributing to a democratic society.
National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), The College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards: Guidance for Enhancing the Rigor of K-12 Civics, Economics, Geography, and History (Silver Spring, MD: NCSS, 2013).
Social Studies Team
Stay Connected
Subscribe to Mark Raffler's Newsletter for the latest social studies updates and resources.
Join the Oakland ISD Social Studies Listserv for timely news and collaboration opportunities.
Partnerships
