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The primary purpose of a history and social science education is to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to become thoughtful and active participants in a democratic society and a complex world.
The 2018 Massachusetts Framework for History and Social Science lays out three pillars that support coherent, rigorous, and engaging instruction: Standards for History and Social Science Practice, grade-specific Content Standards, and Literacy Standards for History and Social Science.
Civics Instructional Resources
Civics Resources Homepage
Civics Project Guidebook: Online Version — updated December 2021
Civics Project Guidebook: Word Version — updated December 2021
Massachusetts Civics Project Showcase
Curricular Materials Guides
Grade 8 Civics: Curriculum Materials Guide; Curricular Materials at a Glance
At a Glance: Personal Financial Literacy
K-5 Curriculum Materials Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Civics Projects Reporting Requirements
Race, Racism, and Culturally Responsive Teaching in History and Social Science
Genocide Education
History/Social Science Leaders Network: The History/Social Science Leaders Network is a community of school and district level leaders with responsibility for history, social science, and/or civics education. Our meetings include a combination of structured professional learning on topics of high interest to the group, role- and context-alike problem solving and resource sharing, informal relationship building and networking, and structured opportunities to collaborate around developing resources.
Civics Project Virtual Support Forum: Stage 3 in Action: Strategies for Engaging Students in the Research Process December 5, 2022, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. This virtual support forum will be co-facilitated by two Civics Fellows, educators experienced in planning and implementing student-led civics projects. It will focus on strategies and resources to meaningfully engage students in Stage 3 of the civics project (Researching & Investigating), including finding relevant and diverse sources, searching strategically, and using technology to enable the research stage. Participants will learn and work with teacher-created resources to support the implementation of Stage 3, leave with resources to use in their local contexts, and have an opportunity to ask questions. Learn more and register!
Investigating History is an innovative, open-source history/social science curriculum that DESE is currently developing for fifth, sixth, and seventh grades. Learn more about Investigating History.
2018 History and Social Science Framework
Supplement to the 2018 Massachusetts History and Social Science Framework — Updated December 2021
Vertical Progression of the Standards for History and Social Science Practice, by grade span
Personal Financial Literacy in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks
Planning Through an Inclusive, Critical, and Responsive Lens: Quick Reference Guide and Planning Questions
Student Government Day: March 31, 2023
Last Updated: December 8, 2022
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148-4906
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Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.