2013-2016 Curriculum Review Team

Brunswick High School
Pam Wagner
Luke Potter
Brunswick Junior High School
Russ Pierson
Brigette Brescia
Carla Shaw
Wendy Arzate
Harriet Beecher Stowe School
Ann Vellella
Beth Wilson
Lou Sullivan
Nancy Bennoch
Andrea Wilson
Christine Copabianco
Robert P.T. Coffin School
Jeanne Stinson
Cheryl Crockett
Eric Funderburk
Shannon Erb
Curriculum Coordinators
John Paige (Secondary level)
Cheryl White (Elementary level)

The Social Studies curriculum is founded on the premise that democracy demands citizens who are informed, interested in the welfare of individuals and society, and committed to the success of democratic processes and values.

A study of US history and geography that includes a thorough understanding of our founding principles.

• A study of world history and geography that includes the basic ideas of both western and non-western cultures.

• An emphasis on the study of fundamental democratic principles, civic values and ethical understandings.

• A thematic and conceptual approach that organizes content around “big ideas and essential understandings” through practices.

• A purposeful linking of past and present that draws parallels among civilizations.

• A balanced presentation of controversial issues that emphasizes reasonable evidence, not bias or emotion.

• A variety of teaching and learning activities that promote rigor, relevance and relationships.

These 6 strands form the core around which we build “what all students should know and be able to do.” These strands are supplemented for some students by an array of elective and AP courses but in order to certify proficiency in Social Studies for all graduating students, our focus rests on these six.

1. Geography

2. US History

3. World History

4. Maine Studies

5. Civics

6. Economics

These Social Studies Practices represent the social science and historical thinking skills that students should develop throughout their K-12 education in order to be prepared for civic participation, college and careers.

1. Chronological reasoning and causation.

2. Comparison and contextualization.

3. Geographic reasoning.

4. Gathering, using and interpreting evidence.

5. Role of the individual in social and political participation.

Since 1997, Maine has had the Maine Learning Results as its State standards for eight content areas and periodically updates them to ensure they are aligned with the evolving expectations of colleges and careers in the 21st century. The Maine Learning Results were most recently updated in 2011 to include Common Core as the college and career readiness standards for English language arts and math, better preparing our students for success in college, career and civic life by creating deeper, more rigorous and clearer expectations for learning.

The updated standards, adopted after a public process in 2011 and fully implemented in the 2013-14 school year, emphasize more complex content and concepts and the development of needed real-world skills like problem solving, collaboration, critical thinking and communication. These skills are imperative for Maine students to succeed and our state to thrive. The strengthened standards set a high bar for all Maine students, no matter their school. These standards are addressed and incorporated into the BSD Social Studies Curriculum.

These themes cut across all the social sciences. Teaching these themes emphasizes inquiry and thinking. The Brunswick Public Schools’ Social Studies program will align with these themes where and when appropriate. The ten themes are:

1. Culture

2. Time, continuity and change

3. People, places and environments

4. Individual development and identity

5. Individuals, groups and institutions

6. Power, authority and governance

7. Production, distribution and consumption

8. Science, technology and society

9. Global connections

10. Civic ideals and practices

 These Social Studies Practices represent the social science and historical thinking skills that students should develop throughout their K-12 education in order to be prepared for civic participation, college, and careers.
1.  Chronological reasoning and causation
2.  Contextualization and comparison
3.  Geographic reasoning
4.  Gathering, interpreting, and using evidence
5.  Role of the individual in social and political participation

• Kindergarten

• Grade 1

• Grade 2

• Grade 3

• Grade 4

• Grade 5

• Grade 6

• Grade 7

• Grade 8

Multigrade Ongoing: Current Events and Issues (6-8)

SOCIAL STUDIES PRACTICES REFLECTED WITHIN THE CONTENT STRANDS: These Social Studies Practices represent the social science and historical thinking skills that students should develop throughout their K-12 education in order to be prepared for civic participation, college, and careers.
1.  Chronological reasoning and causation
2.  Contextualization and comparison
3.  Geographic reasoning
4.  Gathering, interpreting, and using evidence
5.  Role of the individual in social and political participation
(Brunswick School Department Social Studies Curriculum Framework)

Grades 9-12 Social Studies Curricula: These units are being piloted during the 2016-2017 school year as part of the BSD curricula review cycle.

Required Courses

• Grade 9: World Studies I

• Grade 10: World Studies II

• Grade 11: U.S. History & Government

Electives

• Grades 9-12:  Introduction to Middle Eastern Studies

• Grades 9-12:  Introduction to Psychology

• Grades 9-12:  It’s The Law

• Grades 11-12: Advanced Placement European History 

• Grades 11-12: Advanced Placement U.S. History

• Grades 11-12: Current Events I

• Grades 11-12: Current Events II

• Grades 11-12:  Humanities

• Grades 11-12:  Sociology

• Grades 11-12:  The Cold War

• Grades 10-12: Women in American History

The following two curricula are pilot 2019-2020:

• Grades 11-12: History Through Film (pilot)

• Grades 11-12: Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship