Posted on: Thursday, November 4, 2004

What high school students should know in social studies

Advertiser Staff

Here's a brief description of what your high schooler is being taught in social studies classes and is expected to know by graduation. The goals are intended to help ensure that your child is at the appropriate development level and that Hawai'i's public schools are working toward meeting Hawai'i Content and Performance Standards.

GRADES 9-12

Four credits of social studies are required in high school. The following descriptions are provided to make sure your child is meeting the requirements and earning the credits required for high school graduation.

Starting in 2006, all students entering high school will be required to take:

• The semester course "Participation in Democracy," in which students analyze the foundations of our democracy, examine the myriad issues facing our nation today, and plan and execute a plan for civic action. The course is usually taken during freshman year.

• The semester course "Modern Hawaiian History," an analysis of the social, political, economic and environmental events, issues and ideas that have helped shape the history of Hawai'i since the overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani. This course is also generally required during the ninth grade.

• A yearlong American history course that focuses on the issues, ideas and people that have defined the 20th and 21st centuries

• A yearlong world history course that asks the students to examine both ancient and modern times to foster a global perspective of the past and to make critical connections to the contemporary world.

• An elective credit, generally taken during senior year, which allows students to pursue their particular interest and may lead to further regional studies, historical analysis or, from the many advanced placement courses that are offered, to college credit.

Upon completing an elective, the student should:

• Demonstrate attainment of major content and concepts in analytical courses such as economics, political science, "Political Processes," "American Problems" and environmental studies.

• Demonstrate attainment of major content and concepts in behavioral courses such as anthropology, psychology, philosophy, humanities, ethnic studies, and sociology.

• Demonstrate attainment of major content and processes in synoptic courses such as European studies, Pacific island cultures, Hawaiian studies, Asian studies, geography and global studies.

• Demonstrate attainment of major content and processes in Advanced Placement courses leading to college credit in AP European history, AP world history, AP U.S. history, AP economics, AP government and politics, AP psychology and AP human geography.

Successful study at the secondary level requires much more than a recitation of names and dates; it requires an analysis of the hard questions that have been asked for decades, even centuries.

It mandates that the student become the historian, the political scientist, the geographer, the cultural anthropologist or the economist, using the tools and methods of the discipline to add to the body of existing knowledge and to develop personal points of view.

It is this synthesis of knowledge and critical thinking that will enable our children to have the skills and attitudes necessary for the challenges that face us in the 21st century.

Source: state Department of Education

Next week: A look at high school science standards