Megan Axford, Eric Bakker, Clay DeGeorgio, Amanda High.

Kristyn Moore, Makinna Pitcher,

Ben Spendlove, Kiersten Tangjerd, Clay Walker
Overview of Program Rationale and Philosophy of the Alberta Social Studies Curriculum

Social Studies itself is an interdisciplinary subject that aims to study people in relation to
each other and the world, focusing on real life ethical issues. The Alberta K-6 Social Studies
Program is geared towards 21st century learners, and is focused on helping students develop the
attitudes, skills, and knowledge for them to become engaged, active, informed and responsible
citizens who are aware of their capacity to effect change within the local, provincial, national,
and global context.

Multiple perspectives are presented, so that the First Nations peoples and Francophone
communities are accurately represented within the greater Canadian perspective. Emphasis is
placed on recognizing the diversity of experiences and perspectives and the pluralistic nature of

Megan Axford, Eric Bakker, Clay DeGeorgio, Amanda High. Kristyn Moore, Makinna Pitcher,
Ben Spendlove, Kiersten Tangjerd, Clay Walker
Canadian society, and building a multicultural, inclusive, democratic society which recognizes
that Canadian citizenship and identity are shaped by multiple factors, such as culture, language,
environment, gender, ideology, and religion, among others.
Social Studies provides learning opportunities for students to support the equality of
human beings, demonstrate social compassion, fairness and justice, respect the multiple
perspectives in Canada, and to value the Canadian identity. It provides them to understand
Canadas history and current issues including Francophone, Aboriginals, and immigrants. They
learn to engage in problem solving and conflict resolution with the awareness of ethical
consequences and recognize injustices in the school, community and the world.
Dynamic relationship between citizenship and identity forms the basis for skills and
learning outcomes in the program of studies in the broader context of democracy,
multiculturalism, equality, collective rights, and the different perspectives, and experiences of all
who share the land. (Ex. Aboriginal and Francophone)
Teachers should infuse current events, issues, and concerns into class as well as
interconnections and interactions in the students life. In this way students should develop the
skills necessary to make informed judgments for and about the public good. Students are
expected to become knowledgeable about the different cultures, groups, and individuals that
make up Canadian society. This recognition leads to the topics of social cohesion and
understanding our society as a sum of all its parts. Finally, students will develop problem
solving abilities by analyzing real life problems and coming up with practical solutions for the
public good.
Students should be engaged in curriculum which informs them about current affairs,
utilizes an application of knowledge and critical thinking skills, as well as exposure to
controversial issues. The six strands of Social Studies are; time, continuity and change, the land:
places and people, power, authority and decision making, economics and resources, global
connections, and culture and community.
Social Studies learners are able to critically
explore, examine, and understand dynamic
relationships people have with land, concepts of
power, identity, economic systems, and culture and
communities from multiple perspectives.
A goal of social studies is to foster values and
attitudes that lead to being active and responsible
citizens. Critical thinking promotes the development
of democratic citizenship and creative thinking
promotes the ability to connect unique ideas and
provide insight on ideas.
Social studies learners develop the ability to
think historically and geographically, recognizing
patterns and context. Students also develop problem
solving skills. Students should be able to weigh
advantages and disadvantages, as well as understand
possible consequences. Students will also develop social participation skills, gaining the ability
to work collaboratively with others towards a common goal.

Megan Axford, Eric Bakker, Clay DeGeorgio, Amanda High. Kristyn Moore, Makinna Pitcher,
Ben Spendlove, Kiersten Tangjerd, Clay Walker
Social Studies learners are developing skills of independence, self motivation, problem
solving and becoming co-creators of knowledge. Essential skills include purposeful deliberation
and critical reflection to produce democratic citizenship. Students are learning to look at multiple
perspectives, and detect bias in sources.