Quiz 1

What subgoal of social studies are teachers primarily addressing when they ask students to consider the big ideas contained in historical documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Pledge of Allegiance?

• The big ideas in our historical documents often represent the attitudes and values necessary for democratic citizenship. Social studies is concerned with democratic attitudes and values that help students develop civic competence. One way teachers foster a commitment to our public values by carefully considering the values as they appear in historical documents.

• Critical thinking and problem solving are important and it is often necessary for students to think critically as they come to understand the big ideas in historical documents. Yet, a focus on critical thinking can avoid the larger subgoal that teachers should address when considering the big ideas in historical documents. 

• We want students to develop chronological understanding. But, this is not the subgoal that we are primarily addressing. 

• The theme of power, authority, and governance is clearly related to exploring the big ideas in historical documents. But, this theme is not the subgoal teachers are addressing when they invite students to engage in thinking about the big ideas in historical documents.

How do the authors believe that the subgoal of skills in social studies is related to knowledge?

• Skillful behavior is supported by knowledge

• Knowledge must be learned before skills

• Skills determine knowledge

• Skills are learned first followed by knowledge

How do the authors define “scope?”

• The knowledge that students will learn

• What is taught—the subject matter

• The device teachers use to help students see the curriculum more clearly

• The various methods teachers use in social studies teaching

Being committed to “liberty and justice for all” is an example of which subgoal of social studies?

• Skills

• Attitudes and values

• Knowledge

• Civic Competence

The authors propose that teachers develop a curriculum planning habit of applying the 10 social studies conceptual themes to the subject-matter topic emphasis at the elementary level. Why is this an important habit?

• Teachers are able to integrate other content areas into their social studies scope and sequence.

• The relevance of instructional strategies to students’ lives can be guaranteed.

• The scope of a topic is expanded and deepened so that student understanding is expanded and deepened.

• A social studies scope and sequence can be created for an entire elementary school.

The authors suggest that teachers take a compare-and-contrast approach to curricular planning because the approach:

• is an important social studies skill.

• builds intellectual strength and conceptual power.

• helps students see how others are different.

• is more defensible to parents.

What relationship do the authors describe between patterns in social studies topics and state standards?

• The national curriculum determines social studies topics across the country.

• National standards such as the C3 Framework are used by states.

• There is no relationship between national patterns and state standards—states are free to do what they please.

• Individual states decide what should be taught at each level and these standards often reflect national patterns.

Why do the authors argue that political divisions in American democracy is a trend that impact social studies teachers?

• Political divisions can make the goal of civic competence more difficult to address in a classroom.

• Political divisions can cause teachers to be afraid to bring up controversial issues.

• Political divisions can cause family to distrust teachers.

• Political divisions can result in reduced administrative support for controversial issue discussions.

What do the authors argue is meant by the opportunity gap?

• Students in poverty have lower levels of achievement than their wealthier peers.

• Students of different races tend to have different levels of achievement.

• Students often achieve at different levels because of students having different chances to learn

• Curriculum standards are less in some school districts.

Which of the following best describes the rationale the authors provide for why social studies must be revitalized?

• A democracy requires citizens with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills that social studies teaches.

• Liberal democracies are political systems where the people govern.

• If students do not learn the lessons of history, they might repeat history’s mistakes.

• Students are not currently mastering social studies standards.