South Dakota Social Studies Unpacked Documents

Revised Summer 2020

During summer 2020, 39 K-12 educators from schools across South Dakota came together to revise the current social studies unpacked documents. The goals of this work include the following:

1. Provide deeper meaning for the current social studies standards,
2. Identify gaps to support future standards revision,
3. Support the Civics Action Plan to promote greater student civic engagement through the social studies standards.

These teachers demonstrated dedication to the success of their colleagues across the state. The new documents include sections featuring prior knowledge, possible misconceptions, vertical alignment, example strategies, and possible civic engagement activities aligned with the standards. These sections are based on research from the National Council of the Social Studies, the Council of State Social Studies Specialists, and the needs specified by South Dakota social studies teachers.