Social Studies

          The Social Studies Program is dedicated to helping students become knowledgeable American citizens, willing to take their place as productive members of society, and prepared to contribute to the further development of the democratic ideals of the United States of America.  To do this they must become acquainted with their heritage and develop an appreciation for the time-tested values of that heritage.

            Advances in technology and the reality of contemporary world politics make it impossible for any nation to remain isolated from the interaction of the world’s diverse cultures.  An understanding of these cultures, along with an appreciation of these technological advances and shifts in world politics, will provide the students with a basis for sound judgments as well as enlightened and responsible action in such a rapidly changing global society.

            It is the belief of the Cranston Public Schools that social studies programs have a responsibility to prepare the students to identify, understand, and work to solve problems that face our increasingly diverse nation and interdependent world.  Such programs that combine the acquisition of knowledge and skills with the application of democratic values to life through social participation present an ideal balance in social studies.  It is essential that these major goals be viewed as equally important.  The relationship among knowledge, values, and skills is one of mutual support. 

             It is the belief of the Social Studies Educators of Cranston Public Schools that quality social studies education is a fundamental component to any complete elementary, middle and senior high education and has the potential to: Become informed, to develop skills necessary for responsible citizen participation in social, civic and political processes, and to embrace the values and beliefs that characterize citizens in a democratic society.  It is further held that democracy thrives on citizen involvement and constructive social criticism; therefore, social studies will leaves students with a feeling of responsibility to involve themselves in social, civic and political affairs. 

            Social studies educators work in concert to provide students with an equal opportunity for a substantive, comprehensive and sequential education in the social studies.  Through a variety of instructional strategies and assessment tools, all students learn how to think like a historian, become a productive member of society, assess the world and relate social studies to their everyday life.  Not all students will become historians.  However, a quality social studies education will provide every graduate with the knowledge, skills and values to become a productive member of society and lifelong learner.