Educator Services Teaching & Learning Curriculum Resources
Massachusetts History and Social Science Curriculum Framework

September, 1997

Dear Colleagues:

I am pleased to present to you the Massachusetts History and Social Science Curriculum Framework which was adopted by the Board of Education in June 1997 and approved for distribution in August 1997. This is the first statewide guideline for learning, teaching, and assessment in history and social science for the Commonwealth's public schools.

This framework is based on sound research and effective practice, and reflects a vision of how classrooms can and should look to assist all students to achieve high standards of excellence. It offers exciting opportunities to strengthen curriculum and instruction from Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12, as well as in adult basic education programs across the Commonwealth.

I am proud of the work that has been accomplished. The thousands of comments and suggestions received on the previous working drafts have strengthened this curriculum framework. I want to thank all of you for working with us to create a high quality document that provides challenging learning standards for Massachusetts students. We will continue to work with you as you implement the framework in your district.

I encourage you to offer comments on this and the other curriculum frameworks as you use them in schools to develop curriculum and programs. We want to keep them current and vibrant so that they will continue to bring education reform alive in our classrooms.

Thank you again for your ongoing support and commitment to achieving the goals of education reform.

Sincerely,

Robert V. Antonucci, Commissioner
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Table of Contents

Full Document   

Introduction

1. Core Concept

2. Guiding Principles

3. Reasoning, Reflection, Research, and Content in History and Social Science

4. Core Knowledge in United States and World History, Geography, Economics, and Civics and Government

5. Commonly Taught Subtopics Related to Core Knowledge in United States and World History, Geography, Economics, and Civics and Government

6. PreK-12 Scope and Sequence of History and Social Science Instruction
   1. By Grade Spans
   2. Recommended Grade by Grade
   
   
   

7. History and Social Science in PreK and Elementary Grades

8. Study Strands and Learning Standards: History, Geography, Economics, and Civics and Government Overview

9. Learning Standards and Examples, PreK-12

10. Using the History and Social Science Curriculum Framework in Schools