The Guide to High-Quality Instructional Materials for Social Studies
Choosing the right social studies curriculum is crucial for student success. But with countless options, how do you pick the best materials that meet state standards and engage students?
Our free eBook, High-Quality Instructional Materials for Social Studies: A Comprehensive Guide for Choosing Curriculum, simplifies this process with actionable insights for informed decisions.
About HQIM—Why Quality Counts
New social studies materials are constantly being developed, but quality can vary. High-quality instructional materials (HQIM) stand out by offering the support teachers need and engaging students.
A recent RAND report shows that HQIM make a real difference in the classroom. They help students perform better, save teachers time, and promote fairness for all students. HQIM can transform your classroom and improve student learning outcomes. Effective HQIM should meet state standards, use research-based social studies practices, feature multiple perspectives and diverse sources, be easy to use, offer plenty of teacher support, and include assessment opportunities.
Dive deeper into the process of selecting the best materials for your classroom with these blog posts:
- Increase Student Engagement: Discover how HQIM improves social studies education by fostering deeper student involvement and critical thinking skills.
- Close Gaps in Civic Education: Learn how HQIM helps bridge gaps in civic knowledge, preparing students for active participation in society.
- Reduce the Achievement Gap: Explore how using high-quality instructional materials can help narrow the achievement gap and improve overall student outcomes.
- Expert Curriculum Selection Guide: Get step-by-step guidance on how to choose and implement the best social studies curriculum for your district.
Elements of HQIM in Social Studies
What’s at the heart of an HQIM social studies program? Explore the elements for effectively engaging students and teaching essential social studies content and skills.
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Meeting State StandardsInstructional materials that meet state standards empower educators to confidently teach content that meets educational goals. |
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Effective Social Studies PracticesHigh-quality materials emphasize research-based social studies practices. By integrating inquiry-based learning, disciplinary literacy, and civic engagement, students learn to draw evidence-based conclusions and apply their knowledge to their communities. |
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Diverse PerspectivesEngaging with diverse sources helps students broaden their understanding and prepare to thrive in our interconnected world. High-quality materials allow teachers to navigate classrooms with diverse student populations and support inclusive classroom environments. |
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UsabilityThoughtfully organized materials make it easier for teachers to support their students. Clear and well-structured resources aid in planning and effective implementation. |
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Scaffolding for Learning SupportScaffolding is essential for effective learning, helping students progressively build their understanding of new concepts and skills. |
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Formative and Summative AssessmentsHigh-quality materials provide many opportunities for student assessment. Along with notebook questions and tests, you can assess student performance through daily activities, group work, and writing assignments |
TCI’s High-Quality Programs Bring Learning Alive!
Inquiry, active learning, and cutting-edge engagement—explore how TCI’s high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) make a difference in the classroom.
