K-12 Social Studies

  • Mission Statement

    globe"The mission of social studies is to help students develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world."
    The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) defines social studies as "the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence." Within the school program, social studies provides coordinated, systematic study drawing upon such disciplines as anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, and sociology, as well as appropriate content from the humanities, mathematics, and natural sciences. In essence, social studies promotes knowledge of and involvement in civic affairs. And because civic issues--such as health care, crime, and foreign policy--are multidisciplinary in nature, understanding these issues and developing resolutions to them require multidisciplinary education. These characteristics are the key defining aspects of social studies.What is Social Studies?

Contact Us

  • You may contact members of the Pinellas County K-12 Social Studies team by phone or email.

     

    Michelle Anderson, K-8 Social Studies Specialist
     
    Matthew Blum, 9-12 Social Studies Specialist
     
    Jessica Herring, Social Studies Staff Developer, High School
     
    Mara Garner, Social Studies Staff Developer, Middle School
     
    Lisa Bergen, K-12 Social Studies Secretary
    Office: 727-588-6074 
     

Social Studies Themes

  • The NCSS framework consists of ten themes incorporating fields of study that correspond with one or more relevant disciplines. The organization believes that effective social studies programs include experiences that provide for the study of:

    • Culture
    • Time, Continuity, and Change
    • People, Places, and Environment
    • Individual Development and Identity
    • Individuals, Groups, and Institutions
    • Power, Authority, and Governance
    • Production, Distribution, and Consumption
    • Science, Technology, and Society
    • Global Connections
    • Civic Ideals and Practices

End of Course Assessments

  • The Florida Department of Education is now requiring End of Course (EOCs) assessments in middle school civics classes and high school US  history classes.