Six characteristics of contemporary Social Studies

1. Social Studies is social.

2. Social Studies is real world/ wide world.

3. Social Studies is issue-based.

4. Social Studies is open-ended.

5. Social Studies is data-gathering

6. Social Studies is active.

These terms are to be discussed and applied
throughout curriculum development


See also Expectations for Excellence:  Social Studies curriculum must be Meaningful,
Integrated, Value-based, Challenging, and Active.
(final essay in the NCSS standards document)