The study of social studies is a process that develops from Kindergarten through high school. This development helps learners understand their place in the world, and their roles and responsibilities as engaged citizens. The study of history is important to learners, because past events provide context for understanding present and future challenges.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District (FNSBSD) will provide opportunities for active exploration and critical evaluation of complex and diverse social studies issues through proficiency in the FNSBSD graduate-level competencies, which emphasize decision-making and problem-solving experiences for learners. Competency-based learning refers to systems of instruction, assessment, and grading that are based on learners demonstrating the knowledge and skills they are expected to learn as they progress through their education. Competencies include explicit, measurable, and transferable learning objectives that empower students. Learning outcomes emphasize competencies that include application and creation of knowledge, along with development of important skills and dispositions.
The core curriculum encompasses the social studies strands of history, geography, civics/government, economics, and cultural studies. The study of Alaska, United States, and the world includes multicultural perspectives and an understanding of global interdependence. Civics and economic strands are grounded in competencies that empower students to be engaged members of their community, and to master the processes necessary to function in an information-rich, global society. All courses will recognize the danger of stereotyping and bias, and acknowledge the contributions of historically marginalized groups.
Central themes and skills will be carried across a coherent and relevant K-12 continuum with common graduate-level competencies, taught at various levels, as the core goal. Grade/course competencies provide the specific pathways for learners to reach proficiency. While the grade/course level competencies are required, the units and content objectives provided are suggested pathways that move learners toward competency and the achievement of performance indicators.
The Social Studies curriculum is aligned with the following standards:
National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Standards
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards
Alaska Standards for Culturally Responsive Schools
Alaska Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
Alaska English/Language Arts Standards
Alaska Digital Literacy Standards
ISTE Standards for Students
American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Standards
The complete text of the standards may be found in the appendix.
John Boyarsky - Randy Smith Middle School
Jim Dixon - Midnight Sun Elementary School
Patrick Frymark - North Pole Middle School
Jayme Gafford - North Pole Middle School
Amy Gallaway - West Valley High School
Kristen Gray - University Park Elementary School
Coby Haas - Assistive Tech Specialist, Special Education
Kim Ivie - Midnight Sun Elementary School
Thomas Kennedy - West Valley High School
Lori Lange - Tanana Middle School
Cherie Lindquist - North Pole Elementary
Pepper McFarland - Lathrop High School
Danette Peterson - Hutchison High School
Paula Addis - Pearl Creek Elementary School
Rachel Blackwell - Ladd Elementary School
Rosalee Edwards-Sam - Discovery Peak Charter
Sarah Finnell- Pearl Creek Elementary School
Patrick Frymark - North Pole Middle School
Jayme Gafford - North Pole Middle School
Amy Gallaway - West Valley High School
Stephanie Gillogly - Ladd Elementary School
Kirsten Gray - University Park Elementary School
Kim Ivie - Midnight Sun Elementary School
Wade Jones - North Pole High School
Lori Lange - Tanana Middle School
Cherie Lindquist - North Pole Elementary School
Pepper McFarland - Lathrop High School
Danette Peterson - Hutchison High School
Heather Walker – Ben Eielson Jr/Sr. High
Allison Wylde - Two Rivers K-8 School
Melanie Hadaway – Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
Michelle Daml – Elementary Curriculum Coordinator
Kristina Roehrig – Secondary Curriculum Coordinator
Jennifer Morgan – Materials Development Specialist
the Curriculum Advisory Committee, the Fairbanks North Star Borough Board of Education, and the many teachers, administrators, parents, and community members who have so willingly given of their time and expertise in the planning and revision process of this document.