Elementary Programs
The themes presented in Social Studies are diverse, relevant, and can be directly linked to other content area themes, which allows for cross-curricular integration.
Grade level teachers K-5 deliver the elementary social studies curriculum during weekly lessons that are often integrated with English, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Amistad (Black History), the Holocaust (Genocide), C3 Framework, and Character Education. Teachers are encouraged to plan in this manner in an effort to ensure adequate time on-task in each of the content areas in order to maximize the overall achievement of course objectives.
The curriculum for kindergarten through third grade is organized thematically around the central concepts of civics, history, geography, and economics. The curriculum for fourth and fifth grade represents a concentration on historical understanding of the United States and New Jersey. Concepts of civics, geography, and economics are discussed through the historical context.
Middle School
The middle school social studies teachers deliver content daily to students in grades 6 – 8. The lessons are also at times integrated with Science, English, Language Arts, Math, Amistad (Black History), the Holocaust (Genocide), C3 Framework, and Arts and Character Education. The infusion of these other content areas take place throughout the year depending on the subject matter. The sixth grade curriculum is a world history survey course, which is organized around civilizations studied throughout history. The course begins with a brief discussion of geography skills and an introduction to the importance of culture. It moves into the discussion of ancient civilizations. The seventh grade curriculum is a world geography course, which introduces critical map skills and an application of those skills by looking at cases studied around the world. The eighth grade curriculum is a civics course, which explores citizenship, democracy, voting, and the role of government. There is a great deal of emphasis placed on reading critically and writing skills, at the middle school grade levels. Financial Literacy will also be infused using online resources throughout each course based on a recent State mandate.
High School
The middle school social studies teachers deliver content daily to students in grades 6 – 8. The lessons are also at times integrated with Science, English, Language Arts, Math, Amistad (Black History), the Holocaust (Genocide), C3 Framework, and Arts and Character Education. The infusion of these other content areas take place throughout the year depending on the subject matter. The sixth grade curriculum is a world history survey course, which is organized around civilizations studied throughout history. The course begins with a brief discussion of geography skills and an introduction to the importance of culture. It moves into the discussion of ancient civilizations. The seventh grade curriculum is a world geography course, which introduces critical map skills and an application of those skills by looking at cases studied around the world. The eighth grade curriculum is a civics course, which explores citizenship, democracy, voting, and the role of government. There is a great deal of emphasis placed on reading critically and writing skills, at the middle school grade levels. Financial Literacy will also be infused using online resources throughout each course based on a recent State mandate.