ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT: 

In Arlington Public Schools, students engage in the study of history and social studies through student-centered inquiry and project-based learning that emphasizes historical thinking skills such as analysis, sourcing, synthesizing, contextualization, and corroboration.  Students will also consider history from diverse perspectives and engage in a critical analysis of the past that makes connections to today’s society and the choices that individuals/groups/nations make today. As part of their study of history, students will develop their research, media literacy, reading, and writing skills as well as cultivate their ability to engage in civil discourse, leading students to be prepared to become active members of our democratic, diverse society.  

VISION

The vision of the Arlington Public Schools History and Social Studies Department is to graduate students who:

• Deeply know how history informs the present

• Understand the world around them

• Engage in rigorous discussion with people whose views are similar and different to their own

• Focus on learning as a process and are comfortable self-assessing and reflecting on their own progress

• Feel connected to and supported by their communities

• Act as informed agents of change in our democratic and connected world

MISSION

The mission of the Arlington Public Schools History and Social Studies Department is to:

• Teach lessons that showcase all experiences, including how people whose voices have been historically marginalized, were, and continue to be, agents of change

• Utilize multi-modal lessons and authentic assessments, so students can multiple demonstrate their learning while developing life skills (i.e. communication, time management, metacognition, application of content)

• Plan curriculum that facilitates the mastery of: 

  • Analytical reading skills

  • Writing techniques that effectively communicate historical and contemporary arguments

  • Collegial discussion 

• Create learning environments where risk-taking is psychologically safe and the process of learning is valued and valuable

• Collaborate with our English-Language Support and Special Education colleagues to ensure all students have equitable access to the curriculum

• Provide a wide variety of high school electives, so that students have multiple opportunities to explore the various disciplines of social studies

OUR CORE VALUES: 

• Valuing authentic, real world experiences where students can 'do history.'  

• Emphasizing historical thinking skills and mindsets

• Promoting civil discourse and collaboration among students

• Creating a more informed citizenry by building civic knowledge, dispositions, and participation.  

• Promoting diversity and belonging by representing diverse identities in the curriculum. 

• Affirming the rights and dignity of all individuals, while at the same time, acknowledging the ways that BIPOC groups have been disproportionately impacted by racist beliefs and systems.

• Allowing students to demonstrate, synthesize, and apply their knowledge of history in line with 21st century media skills.

The History & Social Studies Department Supports Community-Based Learning! 

We recommend and support the following experiences for APS students.