Social Studies
- Overview
- Pre-K
- Kindergarten
- Grade 1
- Grade 2
- Grade 3
- Grade 4
- Grade 5
- Grade 6
- Grade 7
- Grade 8
- Seymour High School
Overview
Social Studies Philosophy
The Social Studies program in Seymour Public Schools is founded on the belief that all students must become compassionate, contributing members of their community. Through the study of social studies, students will understand the vital role that an informed, engaged citizenry plays in protecting our rights and liberties. By engaging in inquiry-based, authentic experiences with history, students will build character and critical thinking skills, becoming innovative problem-solvers who actively improve their communities. The learning process is consequential, focusing on real-world challenges and informed action. Understanding that humanity thrives and struggles together, the program emphasizes the power of empathy to improve the human condition. While not every question may have a clear answer, the pursuit of solutions allows students to explore, create, and develop their strengths and passions.
Social studies is a dynamic program, intertwining global perspectives with local connections. To understand our diverse world, students begin by analyzing the communities around them. Communities are continually redefined, from the family unit and classroom to the broader scope of U.S. and global citizenship. A well-rounded social studies education starts with foundational studies in elementary school and continues through specialized themes and disciplines in secondary education. Teachers of social studies are supported by collaborative partnerships with families, the community, businesses, industries, museums, and cultural organizations. As schools aim to foster a more peaceful and compassionate world, social studies curricula and instruction provide opportunities for students to develop the essential capacities needed to make this vision a reality.
Delivery Methods
Effective social studies instruction in Seymour Public Schools draws on strong historical content knowledge to help students understand and address local, national, and global challenges. Our approach is meaningful, integrative, and student-centered, focused on fostering a deep sense of inquiry and engagement. Teachers create a classroom environment where students actively explore the past, interact with historical perspectives, and leave class inspired to ask more thought-provoking questions.
Instruction is centered around active participation, where students grapple with real-world problems, evaluate information, and understand its impact on individuals and the community. They will learn from innovators and everyday heroes, considering how their own choices can make a difference. Assessment focuses on applying knowledge in practical ways, with students demonstrating their ability to take informed action. The core themes and disciplines of K-12 social studies guide students to value active citizenship, strong community ties, and compassion, which are key to our shared vision for a thriving, engaged society in Seymour.
Standards
The Seymour Public Schools Social Studies curriculum is designed with our district priorities, as outlined in the Vision of a Wildcat and aligned with the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) C3 Standards from the Connecticut Elementary and Secondary Social Studies Frameworks. Additionally, the curriculum is informed by the Common Core Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects for grades 6-12. By integrating these standards at both the national and local levels, we have developed K-12 Transfer Goals that align with our Profile of a Wildcat capacities. These goals are regularly revisited and assessed throughout students' academic careers, ensuring continuous growth and alignment with the skills needed to be active, engaged citizens in our community and the world.
Social Studies Transfer Goals
Students in Seymour Public Schools will be able to:
- Understand how economic creation and participation affect groups of people and their world.
- Explore how geography shapes people and how people impact geography.
- Use geographic reasoning to understand problems, predict outcomes, and develop solutions based on Earth's physical and human features.
- Analyze different sources and viewpoints to get a clear picture of historical events.
- Identify patterns by tracking key events, statistics, and innovations over time.
- Connect historical knowledge to other time periods or situations and apply it to understand current issues.
- Understand roles within communities and learn how to propose or create positive change based on important issues.
- Work respectfully with others by sharing and evaluating ideas to achieve a common goal.
- Ask meaningful questions to deepen understanding of issues and use evidence to find patterns and draw conclusions.
- Create and share informed arguments or explanations, using clear examples and details suited to the audience and purpose.
- Apply psychological reasoning to understand individual issues, predict outcomes, and develop solutions.