Standard 1—History of the United States and New York

 

1.     The study of New York State and United States history requires an analysis of the development of American culture, its diversity and multicultural context, and the ways people are unified by many values, practices, and traditions.

2.     Important ideas, social and cultural values, beliefs, and traditions from New York State and United States history  illustrate the connections and interactions of people and events across time and from a variety of perspectives.

3.     Study about the major social, political, economic, cultural, and religious developments in New York State and United States history involves learning about the important roles and contributions of individuals and groups.

4.     The skills of historical analysis include the ability to: explain the significance of historical

evidence; weigh the importance,   reliability, and validity of evidence; understand the concept of multiple causation; understand the importance of changing and competing interpretations of different historical developments.

 

Standard 2—World History

 

1. The study of world history requires an understanding of world cultures and civilizations, 

     including an analysis of important ideas, social and cultural values, beliefs, and traditions. This  

     study also examines the human condition and the connections and interactions of people

     across time and space and the ways different people view the same event or issue from a   

      variety of perspectives.

2. Establishing timeframes, exploring different periodizations, examining themes across time and

    within cultures, and focusing on important turning points in world history help organize the   

    study of world cultures and civilizations.

3. Study of the major social, political, cultural, and religious developments in world history  

    involves learning about the important roles and contributions of individuals and groups.

4. The skills of historical analysis include the ability to investigate differing and competing    

     interpretations of the theories of history, hypothesize about why interpretations change over  

     time, explain the importance of historical evidence, and understand the concepts of change 

     and continuity over time.

 

Standard 3—Geography

 

1.     Geography can be divided into six essential elements which can be used to analyze important historic, geographic, economic, and environmental questions and issues. These six elements include: the world in spatial terms, places and regions, physical settings (including natural resources), human systems, environment and society, and the use of  geography. (Adapted from The National Geography Standards, 1994: Geography for Life)

2.     Geography requires the development and application of the skills of asking and answering geographic questions; analyzing theories of geography; and acquiring, organizing, and analyzing geographic information. (Adapted from: The National Geography Standards, 1994: Geography for Life)

 

Standard 4—Economics

 

1.     The study of economics requires an understanding of major economic concepts and systems, the principles of economic decision making, and the interdependence of economies and economic systems throughout the world.

2.     Economics requires the development and application of the skills needed to make informed     

and well-reasoned economic decisions in daily and national life.

 

Standard 5—Civics, Citizenship, and Government

 

1.       The study of civics, citizenship, and government involves learning about political systems; the purposes of government and civic life; and the differing assumptions held by people across time and place regarding power, authority, governance, and law. (Adapted from The National Standards for Civics and Government, 1994)

3.     The state and federal governments established by the Constitutions of the United States and the State of  New York embody basic civic values (such as justice, honesty, self-discipline, due process, equality, majority rule with respect for minority rights, and respect for self, others, and property), principles, and practices and establish a system of shared and limited government. (Adapted from The National Standards for Civics and Government, 1994)

4.     Central to civics and citizenship is an understanding of the roles of the citizen within American constitutional democracy and the scope of a citizen’s rights and responsibilities.

5.     The study of civics and citizenship requires the ability to probe ideas and assumptions, ask and answer analytical questions, take a skeptical attitude toward questionable arguments, evaluate evidence, formulate rational  conclusions, and develop and refine participatory skills