State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced on Friday, Dec. 18 that California is taking a step forward in updating its history–social science curriculum by inviting the public to comment on a new draft framework.

“This framework will help our teachers integrate our new standards in English language arts and English language development with our existing history–social science standards to better prepare them to be informed citizens and to get them ready for college and 21st century careers,” Torlakson said.

Tom Torlakson

“This is an important step in our efforts toward emphasizing critical thinking, problem solving, and communications skills.”

The History–Social Science Framework for California Public Schools, Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve (Framework) will provide guidance for teachers, administrators, and parents on how a curriculum based on content standards is implemented in the classroom in the context of California’s diversity.

This draft addresses events since the last framework was adopted in 2001, reflects changes in statute since then, and provides guidance on how to integrate the new California English Language Arts and Literacy Standards and the California English Language Development Standards in the history–social science classroom.

The Framework will provide direction for the development of instructional materials, curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning.

The current draft Framework includes major updates to the narrative course descriptions for kindergarten through grade twelve, as well as new chapters on assessment, access and equity, and supporting high-quality history–social science instruction.

The draft framework has been posted on the California Department of Education History–Social Science Curriculum Frameworks Web page. Members of the public may send comments on the draft Framework directly by email to hssframework@cde.ca.gov.

The current comment period will remain open until February 29, 2016. All public comments received during the field review survey will be presented to the Instructional Quality Commission and the State Board of Education for review and possible inclusion into the final Framework. The Board is scheduled to take final action on theFramework by May 2016.

For more information on the development of the draft framework, visit the California Department of Education History–Social Science Curriculum Frameworks Web page.