• In-depth study of topics in each social studies field, in which students make choices about what study, and discover the complexities of human interaction
  
  
• Emphasis on activities that engage students in inquiry and problem solving about significant human issues
  
  
• Student decision-making and participation in wider social, political, and economic affairs, so that they share a sense of responsibility for the welfare of their school and community
  
  
• Participation in interactive and co-operative classroom study processes that bring together students of all ability levels
  
  
• Integration of social studies with other areas of the curriculum
  
  
• Richer content building on the prior knowledge students bring to social studies topics: This includes study of concepts from psychology, sociology, economics, and political science, as well as history and geography. Students can understand, within their experience, American social institutions, issues for social groups, and problems of everyday living.
  
  
• Student's valuing, and sense of connection with, American and global history, the history and culture of diverse social groups, and the environment that surrounds them
  
  
• Student's inquiry about the cultural groups they belong to, and others represented in their school and community, to promote student's sense of ownership in the social studies curriculum
  
  
• Use of evaluation that involves further learning and that promotes responsible citizenship and open expression of ideas

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