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Social studies review emphasizes inquiry (C3 framework), Building Thinking Classrooms and teacher development
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Summary
Presenters outlined a K–12 social studies program review rooted in the C3 inquiry arc, Building Thinking Classrooms and Universal Design for Learning; they cited student focus-group feedback and flagged ethical AI as a growing concern for middle/high school instruction.
The curriculum committee received a district social studies program review that described curriculum revisions, professional learning priorities and next steps for K–12 alignment.
Presenters listed the study team and said social studies instruction is grounded in the C3 inquiry arc—developing questions, engaging in disciplinary thinking, evaluating sources and communicating conclusions. "Students are evaluating source materials, organizing evidence and starting to formulate their own ideas," one presenter said.
The review tied inquiry instruction to Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Presenters said BTC strategies make student thinking visible and that combining BTC with UDL and targeted professional development increases teachers' capacity to scaffold rigorous work for diverse learners.
The committee also heard that teacher and parent surveys flagged ethical AI integration as a significant issue at middle- and high-school levels; presenters said curriculum teams will develop guidance for AI use and instruction.
Student focus groups (grades 2—12) reported that collaborative, discussion-based tasks and authentic, real-world assignments engage learners and support deeper thinking. Presenters said the district will prioritize K—6 alignment in response to the state standards update, adjust scope-and-sequence where topics moved between grades, and plan targeted curriculum writing over the summer and next year.
Board members asked about schedule impacts at the secondary level. Presenters acknowledged shorter, more frequent class blocks in the revised high-school schedule can challenge pacing for deep projects and said they are exploring ways to balance instructional time across units.
Presenters said curriculum materials and goals will be posted on the committee website and that continued teacher collaboration and PD will be the district's primary implementation path.
