Social Studies

  • The purpose of Social Studies in District 15 is to develop curious global citizens who think deeply about the world, consider multiple perspectives, and are inspired to take action.

    Students will make real world connections between reading, writing, and social-emotional learning. Students spend time asking questions and developing critical thinking skills through writing, discussion and debate. Starting in grade 1, students learn about their own perspectives and communities, and gradually build outward to understand their impact on our country and the world.

    Current resources:

    **The curricula in District 15 are continually evaluated to ensure it is dynamic and responsive to meet the needs of diverse learners for each of our content areas. Social studies curriculum is currently under review in District 15 due to the Fall 2022 release of Illinois Learning Standards, as well as updates to the Illinois State Mandated Units of Study.  

    Illinois Standard Domains:

    Inquiry Skills

    • Constructing Essential Questions & Supporting Questions

    • Determining Helpful Resources & Gathering and Evaluating Sources

    • Developing Claims and Using Evidence

    • Communicating & Critiquing Conclusions

    • Taking Informed Action

    Civics

    • Civic and Political Institutions

    • Participation and Deliberation: Applying Civic Virtues and Democratic Principles

    • Processes, Rules, & Laws

    Geography

    • Geographic Representations: Spatial Views of the World

    • Human Environment Interaction: Place, Regions, and Culture

    • Human Population: Spatial Patterns and Movements

    • Global Interconnections: Changing Spatial Patterns

    Economics & Financial Literacy

    • Economic Decision Making

    • Exchange and Markets

    • The National and Global Economy

    • Financial Literacy

    History

    • Change, Continuity, and Context

    • Perspectives

    • Historical Sources and Evidence

    • Causation and Argumentation