1. Conceptual Framework for Social Studies Education John F. vonEschenbach State University of West Georgia

2. Social Studies Education Definition and Purpose u Social Studies is the integrated study of social sciences (anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, and sociology), humanities, and sciences to promote civic competence. u Primary purpose is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good.

3. Knowledge Strands u Culture u Time, Continuity, and Change u People, Places, and Environments u Individual Development and Identity u Individuals, Groups, and Institutions

4. Knowledge Strands (con’t.) u Power, Authority, and Governance u Production, Distribution, and Consumption u Science, Technology, and Society u Global Connections and Interdependence u Civic Ideals and Practice

5. Social Attitudes and Values u Develop a reasoned commitment to public values u Be able to deal with value conflicts u Develop a reasoned loyalty to this nation u Treat oneself and others with respect u Develop a feeling of kinship to all humans

6. Civic Skills u Democratic Participation Skills u Study Skills u Intellectual Skills

7. Social Studies Education Rationale u Help children to explain their world through the social sciences, humanities, and sciences. u Provide a forum for children to understand and practice democracy. u Help children along the journey to positive self-development. u Allow children to develop effective and critical decision making strategies.

8. Social Studies Resources u For description of Social Studies Education knowledge strands, go to: http://www.socialstudies.org/standards/strands/ u For worthwhile Social Studies Education publications, go to: http://www.socialstudies.org/publications/ u For teacher resources, lesson plans, and trade books for young learners, go to http://www.socialstudies.org/classroom/