Our Framework

The CPS Social Science Culturally Responsive Inquiry Arc Framework aligns our core values and beliefs on what it should look, feel, and sound like in CPS classrooms.

The CPS Social Science Culturally Responsive Inquiry Arc Framework

This framework is organized into four dimensions, which support robust social science curriculum and instruction rooted in national and state social science standards.

Dimension 1: Develop Questions & Plan Inquiries

Students launch the inquiry by asking or engaging in an essential question, exploring context, and connecting to their lived experiences.

Students will:

Unpack, analyze, and dig into the complexity of the question
Make personal connections & build community
Develop their own questions
Begin the process of documenting their learning progression and new ideas and questions as they surface

Dimensions 2 & 3: Apply Disciplinary Tools & Concepts and Evaluate Sources & Use Evidence

Students deepen understanding and explore content through disciplinary lenses: Civics, Economics, Geography, History; while they gather, evaluate, and curate information. They analyze and develop claims using evidence from text, learning activities, and their lives.

Students will:

Read, analyze, and evaluate varied texts indvidually and collaboratively to help them address the Essential Question (EQ)
Make claims while investigating sources, and have them note how their claims have either changed or become stronger
Regularly go back to the EQ, and ask students to think about how their understanding has grown over time

Dimension 4: Communicate Conclusions & Take Informed Action

Students authentically communicate and critique conclusions through a variety of mediums, and apply learning through informed action.

Students will:

Critique and communicate claims in a variety of ways
Write their conclusions
Communicate findings to varied audiences
Take informed action on a social, political, environmental, or economic issue related to the Essential Question

FOR EDUCATORS

Culturally Responsive Planning Reflection Questions

Explore how to construct and facilitate instruction that promotes student inquiry in culturally responsive ways. Our approach ensures that every student feels valued and engaged in their learning journey.

Access the Document

FOR ADMIN + EDUCATORS

K12 Social Science Look-Fors Tool

This tool empowers administrators and educators to enhance the district’s vision for social science and its instructional core. It is designed to gather trend data that will inform future professional learning and planning initiatives.

Access the Tool

Curricular Supports

Pair the resources above with our curricular supports that align with state standards and mandates:

Participate Civics
A flexible curriculum that includes a variety of engaging, interactive lessons reflecting best practices in civic education.
Reparations Won
With support from community advocates and the Chicago Teachers Union, CPS developed two educational units for teachers and students, titled “Reparations Won: A Case Study in Police Torture, Racism, and the Movement for Justice in Chicago."
Culturally Responsive Mini-Inquiries

Leverage these fully-develed units and lessons to support inclusive, relevant, and

responsive social science teaching and learning.

Skyline Curriculum
A curriculum that incorporates proven and powerful social science practices that support student engagement in inquiry-based instruction.
Standards and Mandates
An overview of the Illinois Learning Standards that outlines what students in all public schools should know and be able to do in six core areas throughout their elementary and secondary education.

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