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Social Studies

Elementary Social Studies

JSD American Founders Month Resources

The Importance of Social Studies Instruction

In today's world, equipping students with the skills to navigate complex social, political, and economic landscapes is crucial. Social studies instruction provides a meaningful educational experience that goes beyond traditional reading tasks. A 2020 Fordham Institute study found that focusing solely on intrinsic reading skills, like "finding the main idea," does not yield significant improvements. Instead, exposure to rich content in civics, history, and law significantly enhances reading comprehension, emphasizing the importance of content knowledge.

At Jordan School District, we are committed to providing students with a comprehensive social studies education. This approach not only improves reading skills but also fosters critical thinking and informed citizenship. By engaging students with meaningful content based on the Utah Social Studies Standards, we aim to cultivate informed and responsible individuals who can contribute positively to society. We invite educators, parents, and the community to support our efforts in delivering a robust social studies curriculum that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Collage of pictures depicting data, implementing core curriculum, historic sites, primary sources, and PLCs