Social Studies
The purpose of the Social Studies program at Long Beach is to create educated young adults who can make informed decisions as active participants in an ever changing world. The K-12 Social Studies curriculum is designed as a sequential learning process which allows students to draw on previously learned material in all subject areas and their own knowledge and experiences to make connections to new and challenging material.
In KINDERGARTEN, students explore the relationships between themselves and others. The focus is on helping students develop an awareness of themselves as growing individuals. In GRADE 1, students study family groups, focus is placed on helping them learn about their roles as members of a family and school community. In GRADE 2, students explore the local Long Beach community and begin make comparisons with other local and national communities. In GRADE 3, students study communities throughout the world, comparing and contrasting their experiences from the prior year.
The GRADE 4 Social Studies program builds on the students' understanding of families, schools, and communities and highlights the political institutions and historic development of the local Long Beach and Long Island communities with connections to New York State and the United States. Social Studies in GRADE 5 stresses geographic, economic, and social/cultural understandings related to the United States, Canada, and nations in Latin America today. The assessment for grade 5 is a locally developed comprehensive examination to assess elementary level Social Studies, which replaces the old Grade 5 SOCIAL STUDIES STATE ASSESSMENT.
The transition to the Middle School also marks as change in focus for Social Studies education. In GRADE 6, students explore cultures in the Eastern Hemisphere. The more global focus now begins to emphasize the interdependence of all people. Social Studies in GRADES 7 & 8 focus on a chronologically organized study of United States and New York State history. The assessment for grade 8 is a locally developed comprehensive examination to assess intermediate level Social Studies, which replaces the old Grade 8 SOCIAL STUDIES STATE ASSESSMENT.
The transition to high school again brings a transition in the course of study. Students in GRADES 9 & 10 conduct a chronological survey of world history. A thematic approach is used to stress commonalities across time and place. At the end of the tenth grade year, students are required to take their third SOCIAL STUDIES STATE ASSESSMENT, the Global History and Geography Regents.
In GRADE 11, students conduct an in-depth chronological survey of United States history through a conceptual and thematic approach. The goal is to build upon previous study to create a greater understanding of the basic principles and the cultural heritage that support our democracy so that students can become informed, committed participants in our democracy. At the end of the tenth grade year, students are required to take their final SOCIAL STUDIES STATE ASSESSMENT, the United States History and Government Regents. The study of United States history and government culminates in GRADE 12 with a practical exploration of citizenship as a participant in democracy and as an economic consumer.
Although the New York State Social Studies curriculum is recognized nationwide for is academic rigor, students at Long Beach are encouraged to take the most demanding course load appropriate. In the high school, students have the opportunity to take three Advanced Placement courses, four college courses through Syracuse University's Project Advance Program, and three courses as certificate or diploma candidates in the INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM.
As our students graduate, regardless of the specific Social Studies courses taken, we are confident that they will be well prepared for their future. We send them out into the world as representatives of Long Beach to continue with their roles as active citizens and their lifelong pursuit of education.