SOCIAL STUDIES KINDERGARTEN TO GRADE 12 PROGRAM RATIONALE AND PHILOSOPHY Social studies provides opportunities for students Canada’s historical and constitutional to develop the attitudes, skills and knowledge that foundations, which reflect the country’s will enable them to become engaged, active, Aboriginal heritage, bilingual nature and informed and responsible citizens. Recognition multicultural realities. A pluralistic view and respect for individual and collective identity is recognizes that citizenship and identity are shaped essential in a pluralistic and democratic society. by multiple factors such as culture, language, Social studies helps students develop their sense environment, gender, ideology, religion, of self and community, encouraging them to spirituality and philosophy. affirm their place as citizens in an inclusive, democratic society. DEFINITION OF SOCIAL STUDIES PROGRAM VISION Social studies is the study of people in relation to each other and to their world. It is an issues- The Alberta Social Studies Kindergarten to focused and inquiry-based interdisciplinary Grade 12 Program of Studies meets the needs and subject that draws upon history, geography, reflects the nature of 21st century learners. It has ecology, economics, law, philosophy, political at its heart the concepts of citizenship and identity science and other social science disciplines. in the Canadian context. The program reflects Social studies fosters students’ understanding of multiple perspectives, including Aboriginal and and involvement in practical and ethical issues Francophone, that contribute to Canada’s evolving that face their communities and humankind. realities. It fosters the building of a society that is Social studies is integral to the process of enabling pluralistic, bilingual, multicultural, inclusive and students to develop an understanding of who they democratic. The program emphasizes the are, what they want to become and the society in importance of diversity and respect for differences which they want to live. as well as the need for social cohesion and the effective functioning of society. It promotes a THE ROLE OF SOCIAL STUDIES sense of belonging and acceptance in students as they engage in active and responsible citizenship Social studies develops the key values and at the local, community, provincial, national and attitudes, knowledge and understanding, and skills global level. and processes necessary for students to become active and responsible citizens, engaged in the Central to the vision of the Alberta social studies democratic process and aware of their capacity to program is the recognition of the diversity of effect change in their communities, society and experiences and perspectives and the pluralistic world. nature of Canadian society. Pluralism builds upon Program Rationale and Philosophy Social Studies (K–12) /1 ©Alberta Education, Alberta, Canada (2005) VALUES AND ATTITUDES • understand the historical and contemporary realities of Francophones in Canada Social studies provides learning opportunities for • understand the multiethnic and intercultural students to: makeup of Francophones in Canada • • value the diversity, respect the dignity and understand the challenges and opportunities support the equality of all human beings that immigration presents to newcomers and • demonstrate social compassion, fairness and to Canada justice • understand how social cohesion can be • appreciate and respect how multiple achieved in a pluralistic society perspectives, including Aboriginal and • understand how political and economic Francophone, shape Canada’s political, socio- distribution of power affects individuals, economic, linguistic and cultural realities communities and nations • honour and value the traditions, concepts and • understand the role of social, political, symbols that are the expression of Canadian economic and legal institutions as they relate identity to individual and collective well-being and a • thrive in their evolving identity with a sustainable society legitimate sense of belonging to their • understand how opportunities and communities, Canada and the world responsibilities change in an increasingly • demonstrate a global consciousness with interdependent world respect to humanity and world issues • • demonstrate a consciousness for the limits of understand that humans exist in a dynamic the natural environment, stewardship for the relationship with the natural environment. land and an understanding of the principles of sustainability SKILLS AND PROCESSES • value lifelong learning and opportunities for careers in the areas of social studies and the Social studies provides learning opportunities for social sciences. students to: • KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING engage in active inquiry and critical and creative thinking • engage in problem solving and conflict Social studies provides learning opportunities for resolution with an awareness of the ethical students to: consequences of decision making • • understand their rights and responsibilities in apply historical and geographic skills to bring meaning to issues and events order to make informed decisions and • participate fully in society use and manage information and • communication technologies critically understand the unique nature of Canada and • its land, history, complexities and current conduct research ethically using varied issues methods and sources; organize, interpret and • understand how knowledge of the history of present their findings; and defend their Alberta, of Canada and of the world, opinions • contributes to a better comprehension of apply skills of metacognition, reflecting upon contemporary realities what they have learned and what they need to • understand historic and contemporary issues, learn including controversial issues, from multiple • recognize and responsibly address injustices perspectives as they occur in their schools, communities, • understand the diversity of Aboriginal Canada and the world traditions, values and attitudes • communicate ideas and information in an • understand contemporary challenges and informed, organized and persuasive manner. contributions of Aboriginal peoples in urban, rural, cultural and linguistic settings 2/ Social Studies (K–12) Program Rationale and Philosophy (2005) ©Alberta Education, Alberta, Canada PROGRAM FOUNDATIONS The goal of social studies is to provide learning opportunities for students to: The program of studies provides a foundation of • understand the principles underlying a learning experiences that address critical aspects democratic society of social studies and its application. These critical • demonstrate a critical understanding of areas provide general direction for the program of individual and collective rights studies and identify major components of its • understand the commitment required to structure. ensure the vitality and sustainability of their changing communities at the local, CORE CONCEPTS OF CITIZENSHIP provincial, national and global levels AND IDENTITY • validate and accept differences that contribute to the pluralistic nature of The dynamic relationship between citizenship Canada and identity forms the basis for skills and • respect the dignity and support the equality learning outcomes in the program of studies. of all human beings. Program Rationale and Philosophy Social Studies (K–12) /3 ©Alberta Education, Alberta, Canada (2005) The sense of being a citizen, enjoying individual • honouring and valuing the traditions, concepts and collective rights and equitable status in and symbols that are the expression of their contemporary society, impacts an individual’s identity sense of identity. Individuals need to feel that • providing opportunities for students to express their identities are viewed as legitimate before who they are with confidence as they interact they can contribute to the public good and feel a and engage with others sense of belonging and empowerment as citizens. • contributing to the development of active and responsible members of groups and Social studies provides learning opportunities for communities. students to: SOCIAL STUDIES AND • understand the complexity of identity FRANCOPHONE PERSPECTIVES AND formation in the Canadian context • understand how identity and self-esteem are EXPERIENCES shaped by multiple personal, social, linguistic For historical and constitutional reasons, an and cultural factors understanding of Canada requires an • demonstrate sensitivity to the personal and understanding: emotional aspects of identity • • demonstrate skills required to maintain of Francophone perspectives individuality within a group • of Francophone experiences • understand that with empowerment comes • that Francophone students have particular personal and collective responsibility for the needs and requirements. public good. Social studies occupies a central position in SOCIAL STUDIES AND ABORIGINAL successful Francophone education in Alberta. PERSPECTIVES AND EXPERIENCES Francophone schools are a focal point of the Francophone community. They meet the needs For historical and constitutional reasons, an and aspirations of parents by ensuring the vitality understanding of Canada requires an of the community. For students enrolled in understanding: Francophone schools, the social studies program will: • of Aboriginal perspectives • strengthen Francophone self-esteem and • of Aboriginal experiences identity • that Aboriginal students have particular needs • encourage students to actively contribute to and