Florida educators can rely on Studies Weekly’s new social studies curriculum to cover the state’s recent changes to Civics and Government standards.
The State Board of Education approved the revised Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for Social Studies in 2021 to ensure students “attain a well-rounded knowledge base to understand how to become great citizens,” as stated by the Florida Department of Education.
Studies Weekly’s curriculum specialists got to work creating a new edition of Florida Studies Weekly that teaches these civics standards. Regional curriculum coordinator, Betsy Glisson, is thrilled with the results.
“I feel like we have done an excellent job aligning to the state standards,” Glisson said. “We’ve created articles that promote civic engagement and show students what civic participation looks like and what it means to be a US citizen.”
Glisson knows the impact civics education can have and is excited for Florida educators to use our new publications.
“When done right, civics education can empower students by helping them find their voices and use them effectively.”
We know you’re excited to see just how well these publications meet the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for Social Studies, so here’s an example from each grade level:
Kindergarten
SS.K.CG.2.1 Describe and demonstrate the characteristics of being a responsible citizen.
First Grade
- SS.1.CG.2.1 Explain the rights and responsibilities students have in the school community.
- SS.1.CG.2.2 Describe the characteristics of citizenship in the school community.
- SS.1.CG.2.3 Recognize ways citizens can demonstrate patriotism.
Second Grade
- SS.2.CG.2.1 Explain what it means to be a U.S. citizen.
- SS.2.CG.2.2 Describe the characteristics of responsible citizenship at the local and state levels.
- SS.2.CG.2.3 Explain how citizens demonstrate patriotism.
Third Grade
- SS.3.CG.2.1 Describe how citizens demonstrate civility, cooperation, volunteerism, and other civic virtues.
- SS.3.CG.2.2 Describe the importance of voting in elections.
- SS.3.CG.2.3 Explain the history and meaning behind patriotic holidays and observances.
- SS.3.CG.2.4 Recognize symbols, individuals, documents and events that represent the United States.
- SS.3.CG.2.5 Recognize symbols, individuals, documents and events that represent the State of Florida.
Fourth Grade (Weeks 8,9,10)
- SS.4.CG.2.1 Identify and describe how citizens work with local and state governments to solve problems.
- SS.4.C.2.2 Explain the importance of voting, public service and volunteerism to the state and nation.
- SS.4.C.2.3 Identify individuals who represent the citizens of Florida at the state level.
- SS.4.CG.3.1 Explain the structure and functions of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government in Florida.
- SS.4.CG.3.2 Compare the structure, functions and processes of local and state government.
- SS.5.CG.1.1 Recognize that the Declaration of Independence affirms that every U.S. citizen has certain unalienable rights.
- SS.5.CG.1.2 Explain how and why the U.S. government was created by the U.S. Constitution.
- SS.5.CG.1.3 Discuss arguments for adopting a representative form of government.
- SS.5.CG.1.4 Describe the history, meaning and significance of the Bill of Rights.
Fifth Grade
- SS.5.CG.1.2 Explain how and why the U.S. government was created by the U.S. Constitution.
- SS.5.CG.1.4 Describe the history, meaning and significance of the Bill of Rights.
- SS.5.CG.2.3 Analyze how the U.S. Constitution expanded civic participation over time.
- SS.5.CG.2.4 Evaluate the importance of civic duties and responsibilities to the preservation of the United States’ constitutional republic.
- SS.5.CG.2.5 Identify individuals who represent the citizens of Florida at the national level.
- SS.5.CG.2.6 Explain symbols and documents that represent the United States.
Want to see more? View samples on our Florida page.