What is Social Studies?

Social Studies is an integral part of students' overall educational experience in every grade level at BHBL. Its definition is probably summarized best by the National Council for the Social Studies as:

 "the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence. Within the school program, social studies provides coordinated, systematic study drawing upon such disciplines as anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, and sociology, as well as appropriate content from the humanities, mathematics, and natural sciences. In essence, social studies promotes knowledge of and involvement in civic affairs. And because civic issues--such as health care, crime, and foreign policy--are multidisciplinary in nature, understanding these issues and developing resolutions to them require multidisciplinary education. These characteristics are the key defining aspects of social studies.”
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Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Social Studies Curriculum

 BH-BL teachers have created a continuous social studies curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through 12. Our curriculum follows state standards and the state curriculum as described in the links below.

Students are also required to take standardized state exams in social studies in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11. Grade 5 and 8 assessments are used to help gauge students' progress in social studies through the elementary and middle school years.

Passing the state Regents exams at the end of grade 10 (Global History) and grade 11 (American History) are requirements for graduation. Also high school seniors are required to take courses in Economics and Participation in Government in order to graduate.

In addition to required year-long courses, BH-BL High School teachers also offer a number of enjoyable one-semester social studies electives, such as Psychology, Criminology, The Wild, Wild West and Current Events.

Please feel free to visit the links below that detail the state standards, the state curriculum at all grade levels, parent guides for all grade levels, our High School offerings, as well as our monthly K-12 Social Studies Newsletter.