AP Government and Social Studies curriculum

• Social Studies prepares students to be informed, thoughtful, engaged citizens

• Four focus areas: History, Civics/Government, Geography, Economics

• Curriculum is the content and skills students are required to master before graduating high school

• Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum ensures all students have access to the same high-quality learning experiences

• Scope and Sequence: Scope is what is taught, Sequence is when it is taught

Module 1: Curriculum and Standards

• Effective instructional strategies are essential for student learning and engagement

• Some strategies include:

  • Cooperative learning: students work together in small groups to complete a task or project

  • Inquiry-based learning: students ask questions and explore a topic to develop understanding

  • Project-based learning: students work on a long-term project that requires them to apply knowledge and skills

  • Differentiated instruction: teachers adapt instruction to meet the needs of individual students

• Technology can be used to enhance instruction and engage students in learning

• It is important to vary instructional strategies to meet the needs of all students and promote active learning.

Module 2: Instructional Strategies

• Direct Instruction: teacher-led instruction

• Primary Sources: firsthand accounts or direct evidence about a topic

• Secondary Sources: interpretations or analyses based on primary sources

• Gradual Release of Responsibility: teacher gradually transfers responsibility to students

Module 3: Primary/Secondary Sources and Instructional Methodology

• C3 Framework: inquiry process incorporating four dimensions

• 5E Instructional Model: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate

• Inquiry-based learning promotes problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Module 5: Inquiry-based Learning