History and Social Sciences

Standards for History and Social Science Practice

Within the History Framework, a number of practice standards are included which will be embedded, in an age-appropriate manner, into instruction at all grade levels, kindergarten through grade 12:

• Demonstrate civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions.

• Develop focused questions or problem statements and conduct inquiries.

• Organize information and data from multiple primary and secondary sources.

• Analyze the purpose and point of view of each source; distinguish opinion from fact.

• Evaluate the credibility, accuracy, and relevance of each source.

• Argue or explain conclusions, using valid reasoning and evidence.

• Determine next steps and take informed action, as appropriate.

Elementary Social Studies

As noted by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the 2018 History and Social Science Framework “includes features designed to help students develop the skills to participate in and perhaps lead a society that will be more demographically and culturally diverse than any democratic society of the past.”

Hopkinton’s elementary students will participate in a social studies curriculum that is aligned to the DESE Framework; over the course of their elementary experience, students will be introduced to the fundamental principles of liberty, justice, and equality. Included in our units of study, especially in grades 4 and 5, will be a more robust foundation in history and government, with standards that address the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the 20th century Civil Rights movement, in addition to standards that travel further back in history to the American Revolution and the early Republic.

At all grade levels K-5, the study of history and social sciences will emphasize the skills of formulating questions, conducting research, evaluating sources, and synthesizing information. In addition, our students will spend time thinking analytically, reading varied texts, writing in response to the texts, and learning the basics of other topics addressed in the Framework such as economics and civic engagement.  As noted in the MA Standards for Literacy in History and Social Sciences, students will deepen their understanding of the concepts that are introduced over the course of the year through reading, writing, listening, and speaking; in addition, students will sharpen their ability to analyze information and craft logical arguments that are supported with evidence.

An emphasis on the Standards for History and Social Science Practice (rather than emphasis on memorizing “content” ) will support our students’ growth, development, and understanding of the big ideas in each unit of study.

The principal mission of the History & Social Science department is to prepare students to be informed citizens of the school, the community, the nation, and the world. In order to realize this goal, the department offers a broad range of courses in World History and United States History, government, and the social sciences. Within the context of these courses, the department seeks to promote cultural literacy and the free exchange of ideas, while nurturing an appreciation of multiple perspectives in the spirit of mutual understanding. Use of appropriate technology is encouraged at all levels.

Social Studies

The social studies curriculum at HMS allows students to acquire knowledge of human endeavors and relationships, both past and present, to encourage informed participation in society.  A central goal of the social studies program is to encourage effective thinking and reasoning.  It is important that students learn to connect ideas and knowledge with the skills necessary for civic participation.  Literacy skills are woven into the social studies curriculum to help students develop their ability to argue or explain conclusions using valid reasoning and evidence.  The curriculum challenges students to develop the skills necessary to analyze the purpose and point of view of sources, distinguish opinion from fact, and evaluate the credibility of sources.  Throughout the units of study, current events, social issues, and civic responsibility are incorporated in the curriculum. The curriculum enables students to experience the diversity that exists within our world and understand their greater role in society.

The Social Studies Department at HMS is continuing the process of developing and implementing curriculum to align with the recently adopted Massachusetts History and Social Science Framework. The new framework calls for a major shift in the curriculum offered at the middle school level. That shift includes a new Civics course in 8th grade and a World Geography and Ancient Civilizations course that spans 6th and 7th grades. 

Click HERE to access the Middle School site to learn more about what is taught at each grade level