History & Social Studies Curriculum Framework (2018 )
In June 2018, DESE adopted a new History & Social Science framework. The framework is represented by the three pillars as it encourages the balance of content standards, practice standards, and literacy standards. Together, the three pillars create a balance for history and social studies instruction in the classroom.
The priorities of the framework are to:
Provide greater emphasis on civics K-12 including
Standards integrating civic learning PreK-12
A required civics course in Grade 8
Challenge students to investigate, analyze, evaluate, and deepening their understanding of history, civics, geography, and economics by including
Practices to guide historical thinking in classroom instruction
Supplemental resources identifying primary sources, digital resources, and museums
Improve rigor, clarity, and coherence across grade levels by including
Guiding principles for effective history and social science curriculum
Supporting (essential) questions to guide inquiry and conceptual learning
Incorporate diverse perspectives
