The philosophy of the Perrysburg Exempted Village School District's Social Studies program is designed to present students with the opportunity to develop their cognitive and affective skills in relation to the social sciences. The program is designed to provide a transmission of cultural heritage and the ability to participate in the modern world. Social studies education should afford students a multi-faceted perspective of themselves as individuals, citizens of this country and a global view of people everywhere.

The various disciplines that will be utilized in the social studies program include anthropology, economics, geography, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology and related subjects. The effective combination of these social science components, along with other academic areas, will facilitate the necessary skills for an active involvement in an ever changing society. In addition, it will provide a foundation for responsible citizenship.

The philosophy of this school district contains these goals which directly relate to social studies education and thus serve as a foundation for the program. Each student will be provided opportunities to:

• Become aware of his or her rights and responsibilities in American society.
• Develop an appreciation of intrinsic differences and similarities in people of all cultures.
• Understand how American society operates in relation to other societies.
• Know the basic tenets of good citizenship and how to put them into practice.
• Become aware of various social, political and economic forces in this country and how these forces influence people.
• Develop and exhibit understanding and appreciation of persons belonging to other social, religious, cultural and ethnic groups.
• Gain an appreciation of how past events influence the present workings of the world and American society.
• Develop a global awareness through the study of physical makeup of the world.
• Develop the ability to critically analyze and implement strategies to address social situations.
• Develop maturing insights in ethical values and principles, allowing him or her to live and work cooperatively with others.

Strands of the Model

In this Social Studies Model, the Instructional Objectives are arranged in six instructional strands. These strands represent the essential components of quality instructional and performance objectives and are aligned with the Ohio Graduation Test. The six instructional strands in this Model are:

• American Heritage
• People in Societies
• World Interactions
• Decision Making and Resources
• Democratic Processes
• Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities