Rationale5

=Exploring the Rationale Behind the Renewed Saskatchewan Social Studies Curriculum= While the word "//**rationale**//" is not in the renewed curriculum, these statements suggest the rationale behind the curriculum. Which of the rationales do you see between the lines here? What questions do you have regarding the rationale behind the renewed SS?

__**The Aims and Goals of Social Studies**__ "//The purpose of Kindergarten to Grade 12 Social Studies is to help students know and appreciate the past, understand the present, influence the future, and make connections between events and issues of the past, the present, and the future. Further, its purpose is to make students aware that, just as contemporary events have been shaped by actions taken by people in the past, they have the opportunity to shape the future. The ultimate aim is for students who have a sense of themselves as active participants and citizens in an inclusive, culturally diverse, interdependent world//." (p. 6 Gr. 6 SS curriculum) __**Teaching Social Studies**__ "//The role of social studies education is to help students develop the values and attitudes, knowledge and understanding, and skills and processes necessary to become active and responsible citizens, engaged in the practice of democratic ideals and aware of their capacity to effect change//. Social studies supports active and responsible citizenship by enabling students to: individual and collective well-being understand and honour the traditions, concepts, and symbols that are the expression of Canadian identities Canada, and the world understand how these perspectives have shaped Canada’s political and cultural realities for the well-being of all diverse perspectives environments environment develop a consciousness and sense of stewardship for the land, as well as an understanding of the principles of sustainability and defend their opinions (WNCP, 2002, K-9 framework of social studies outcomes, p. 7)" (p. 7 Gr. 6 Curriculum)
 * understand their rights and responsibilities in order to participate fully in society
 * demonstrate a critical understanding of the role of social, political, economic, and legal institutions as they relate to
 * understand and appreciate the unique nature of Canada, its land, history, complexities, and current issues
 * thrive in their evolving cultural and Canadian identities with a legitimate sense of belonging to their communities,
 * appreciate and respect diverse Canadian cultural perspectives, including Aboriginal and Francophone, and
 * value the diversity, respect the dignity, and support the equality of all human beings
 * develop a sense of social compassion, fairness, and justice
 * recognize, speak out, and take action against injustice as it occurs in their schools, communities, Canada, and the world
 * understand Canadian and world history, to better comprehend the present and to influence the future wisely
 * critically consider and understand historic and contemporary issues, including controversial issues, from
 * develop a global consciousness with respect to the human condition and world issues
 * understand how political and economic distributions of power affect individuals, communities, nations, and
 * understand geographic concepts and skills, and that humans exist in a dynamic relationship with the natural
 * engage in problem solving and conflict resolution with an awareness of the ethical consequences of decision making
 * engage in active inquiry and critical and creative thinking
 * conduct research ethically using diverse methods and sources, and organize, interpret, and present their findings,
 * use and manage information and communication technologies
 * develop effective communication skills
 * develop collaborative and cooperative skills.