Offering standards-aligned curriculum, instructional strategies, and engaging resources in History-Social Science, along with tools, lesson plans, and primary sources that promote critical thinking, historical inquiry, and civic engagement—while connecting the past to students’ present and future.
This is a working website – additional links and resources may be added.
K-12 History-Social Science Frameworks & Standards
K-12 Instructional Practices
Instructional Practice for Grades K-5
Kindergarten: Learning and Working Now and Long Ago
Grade One: A Child’s Place in Time and Space
Grade Two: People Who Make a Difference
Grade Three: Continuity and Change
Grade Four: California a Changing State
Grade Five: United States History and Geography: Making A New Nation
Instructional Practice for Grades 9-12
Grade Nine: Elective Courses in History-Social Science
Grade Ten: World History, Culture, and Geography: The Modern World
Grade Eleven: United States History and Geography: Continuity and Change in Modern United States History
Grade Twelve: Principles of American Democracy (One Semester)
Grade Twelve: Principles of Economics (One Semester)
Instructional Practice for Advanced Placement & Elective Courses
Advanced Placement (AP): AP Course & Exam Descriptions
Ethnic Studies: Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum
Psychology: National Standards for High School Psychology Curricula
Sociology: National Standards for High School Sociology
Curriculum Guides & Resources
Local History
Newsela resources for SAVVAS myWorld
Use these resource alongside the Savvas myWorld program for Grade 3 to enhance instruction. Each topic includes engaging, real-world texts that are relevant to students’ lives and closely aligned with the content, themes, and text types covered in the unit of study. These materials reinforce key concepts, build background knowledge, and provide varied opportunities for students to connect with and deepen their understanding of each topic.
Grades K - 2
Classroom-ready resources to help teach California's History-Social Science Framework, focusing on improving reading, writing, and critical thinking.
Primary Sources
Teacher & Student Notes
Activities
Other Tools
Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
How can we continue to help preserve our communities’ stories?
What can this photograph tell us about the Harvey family in 1874?
What can we learn about Japanese culture through their folktales and artwork?
What impact has urban development had on biodiversity in the Los Angeles area?
4th Grade
5th Grade
TCI: World History and Geography: Ancient Civilizations
Newsela Resources
TCI: World History and Geography: Medieval and Early Modern Times
United States History and Geography: Continuity and Change in Modern United States History
Freshman Seminar
Freshman Seminar
Freshman Seminar Collab
World History, Culture, and Geography: The Modern World
United States History and Geography: Continuity and Change in Modern United States History
Principles of American Democracy (One Semester)
Principles of Economics (One Semester)
The California State Seal of Civic Engagement recognizes high school students who demonstrate excellence in civics education, leadership, community participation, and social action. It honors their commitment to informed, responsible civic action and encourages lifelong engagement in democratic processes.
Requirements & Rubrics
Flyers
Additional K-12 Resources
A collection of resources—including California History–Social Science projects, local resources, museums, and cultural centers—that provide educators and students with learning opportunities, primary sources, and community connections to deepen understanding of the state’s and nation’s diverse history, cultures, and civic life.
Lessons, resources, etc. found under Curriculum & Resources
The Source - educator articles
UCLA - curriculum & resources by grade level and subject area
Guide to Street Art Murals in Santa Monica - organized by Santa Monica's eight neighborhoods
National Endowment for the Humanities - EDSITEment!
National Museum of the Native American
Featured Resources - includes resources in Spanish
Educational Resources - able to filter by grade level, topic, etc.
Professional Development (recorded)
Smithsonian American Art Museum - teacher guides & resources
Professional Development Presentations
These PD sessions focused on using the CA History-Social Studies Framework to integrate content,
inquiry, literacy, and citizenship into culturally responsive and relevant classroom experiences.
Participants explored academic discourse and rigor, gained an understanding of culturally
responsive teaching principles, and adapted or developed lessons to engage all learners. PowerPoints
contain engagement strategies and activities.
Cancelled due to weather
