Social Studies

The Social Studies Department offers all levels of course offerings for four years of high school instruction.  From skill-building Level 3 classes up through Advanced Placement Level 5 classes, the Social Studies Department challenges varying levels of student ability to further understanding of the social sciences.  At each grade level there are choices afforded to students designed to further their interests, sharpen their abilities, and extend their knowledge.  In an effort to help students become more aware of the world they are living in and become more effective global citizens, all course offerings stress critical thinking, geography, current events, reading numerous types of sources and documents, and writing research papers and persuasive essays.

Proficiency-Based Graduation Requirements

In addition to traditional grades, students will also be assessed using proficiency indicators. Proficiencies include general skills as well as specific skills related to the content. Per VT AOE, the social studies literate individual has developed a critical lens through which they recognize challenges, contemplate possible solutions, and consider the consequences of both action and inaction. They have become socio-politically conscious and socio-culturally responsive as they have strengthened their own identity and recognized the importance of community through stories, conflict, compromises, and resolutions. They recognize the legacy of sovereignty, authority, and power; the pros and cons of human-environment interaction; the value of development, including both the benefits and costs that it incurs; and the respect for all histories (past and present) as seen from multiple perspectives.

Each of the Social Studies PBGRs have specific indicators that will be assessed. Each course bases its requirements around Social Studies Indicators (such as political, economic, cultural, social or geographical factors), Historical Thinking Skills Indicators (such as identifying points of views, analyzing cause and effect, comparing and contrasting events, etc.), and in Citizenship Indicators (such as work completion, involvement in classroom discussions, etc.). 

Students are required to earn three (3) credits in Social Studies, including: 

• one (1) required credit in U.S. History 
  can be Overview of US History, American Studies, AP US History, or equivalent 
• one (1) required credit in modern world studies 
  can be AP Human Geography, Global Citizenship, Seeking Sustainability, AP World History: Modern, World History II, Exploring World Cultures, 20th Century History Through Film or equivalent
• one (1) required elective

There are numerous electives that are offered in various aspects of social studies to excite students about the world and community in which they live.