Danielle J. Ballard Ed.D
Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Freeport Public Schools
516-867-8991
[email protected]
The New York State K-12 Social Studies Framework is the foundation for social studies in New York State and the Freeport Public Schools. This framework has been implemented in all grades K-12 and has been designed to prepare students for college, careers, and civic life (C3 Framework) with courses that are rigorous and aligned to the NYS Learning Standards for Social Studies. New York State K-12 Social Studies Framework is anchored in the New York State Common Core Standards for Literacy and Writing and New York State Learning Standards for Social Studies. These standards serve as a consistent set of expectations for what students should learn and be able to do, so that we can ensure that every student across New York State is prepared to be an active and engaged citizen who is ready to pursue college or a career.
The primary purpose of Social Studies is to help students develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world. Students have the opportunity to understand their heritage and gain insights into the past so that they may contribute to the future. Freeport Public Schools rigorous and robust curriculum promotes civic competence through the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities. Within the school program, Social Studies provides coordinated, systematic study that draws upon such disciplines as anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, belief systems, and sociology, as well as upon appropriate content from the humanities, mathematics, and natural sciences.
Throughout the social studies curriculum, students have the opportunity to develop an understanding of concepts and key ideas through inquiry, analysis of primary and secondary source documents, and disciplinary skills and practices. In addition, students are assessed on their understanding of key ideas and conceptual understanding, as well as, social studies practices. Freeport Public Schools provides a comprehensive program that effectively integrates Social Studies and English Language Arts. Through the units of study, students increase their literacy skills while igniting their interest in the world around them to become engaged learners and good citizens. The Social Studies content is delivered through authentic and engaging texts, as well as interactive technology which includes compelling questions that drive inquiry and connect students to the material they are studying.
All of the materials and resources used for instruction address multiple perspectives and are culturally responsive. In addition, lessons are differentiated and modified to meet the diverse needs of our student population. Our accelerated learners are provided with challenging reading materials, high level critical thinking questions, and scaffolded instruction. Translated materials, explicit vocabulary instruction, content-specific vocabulary, and literacy support are provided to our English Language Learners. Modified readings, small group instruction, instruction that is focus, organizational tools, visual aids, and focus on vocabulary and skills are provided for our struggling learners and students with disabilities.
Students at Freeport High School have the opportunity to further explore areas within the Social Studies curriculum through courses such as Sociology, Psychology, Cultural Studies, Gender Relations, Genocide, and Criminal and Civil Justice. Students also have the opportunity to select one of our 10 offered Advanced Placement courses such as: AP African American Studies, AP European History, AP Human Geography, AP Government, and more. The Seal of Civic Readiness is a formal recognition that a student has attained a high level of proficiency in the four Domains of Civic Readiness: civic knowledge, civic skills, civic mindset, and civic experiences. Freeport Public Schools provides our students with meaningful opportunities to develop specific civic knowledge, skills and mindsets through authentic actions and experiences throughout our robust curriculum. All students within our school system will have access and the ability to participate in experiential learning to attain civic readiness. The goals of the Seal of Civic Readiness program are aligned with the New York State Definition for Civic Readiness and the Four Domains of Civic Readiness.
Our Freeport students will begin to receive this formal distinction upon graduating during the 2022-2023 school-year. In order to obtain the Seal of Civic Readiness, a student must complete all requirements for a NYS local or Regents diploma and earn a total of six points with at least two points in Civic Knowledge and two points in Civic Participation. Students will have the opportunity to begin to allocate points beginning in grade 7 at the Middle School. Seniors who are eligible for graduation, will have the ability to apply for the Seal of Civic Readiness. Each student will have their points tracked by Passport For Good and reviewed by FPS staff on a regular basis.
Freeport Public Schools ensures that each student has access to all aspects of our rigorous curriculum and programs. Students are provided with multiple perspectives which empower diverse narratives across the curriculum. District materials and language usage are regularly reviewed and monitored for bias. Students' varied learning styles and cultural backgrounds are to be considered in all interactions and assessments.