Social Studies

Social Studies K-12

Mission
The Social Studies department for the Trenton Public Schools will provide students with a curriculum that assists students in the development of their roles as students, employees, and most importantly as informed and engaged citizens of the world, by facilitating the development of questions and planning inquiries, applying disciplinary concepts and tools, evaluating sources and using evidence, and communicating conclusions and taking informed action.

Vision
The Trenton Public Schools social studies curriculum will provide instructional strategies, inquiries, and activities that engage students with significant ideas, and encourages them to connect what they are learning to their prior knowledge of current issues, to think critically and creatively about what they are learning, and to apply that learning to authentic situations.

Goal
The goal of the Trenton Public Schools Social Studies departments is to help create literate and well-informed citizens who actively participate in a democratic society, who are:

  • Civic-minded, globally aware, and socially responsible
  • Exemplify fundamental values of democracy and human rights through active participation in local, state, national, and global communities
  • Make informed decisions about local, state, national, and global events based on inquiry and analysis;
  • Considers multiple perspectives, values diversity, and promotes cultural understanding;
  • Recognizes the relationships between people, places, and resources as well as the implications of an interconnected global economy;
  • Applies an understanding of critical media literacy skills when utilizing technology to learn, communicate, and collaborate with diverse people
  • around the world; and
  • Discerns fact from falsehood and critically analyzes information for validity and relevance.

Social Studies K-6

The Trenton Public Schools Elementary Social Studies Department encourages and supports the engagement of students in informed solution-based decision-making. Developmentally appropriate and relevant Social Studies lessons will require students to activate prior knowledge. Social Studies courses will require students to activate prior knowledge. Students will also analyze current and historical local, national, and global events from the equitable perspectives utilized in 21st Century career pathways. Students will be prepared to transfer knowledge into post-secondary academic and professional opportunities.

Social Studies 7-12

The Trenton Public Schools Secondary Social Studies Department encourages and supports the developmentally appropriate and relevant, engagement of students in informed solution-oriented decision-making. Social Studies courses will require students to activate prior knowledge. Students will also analyze current and historical local, national, and global events from equitable perspectives utilized in 21st Century career pathways. Students will be prepared to transfer knowledge into post-secondary academic and professional pursuits.

Honors Course Offerings
Three different data sets to make recommendations based on a point system using percentile ranks on 3 different assessments: PSAT; STAR; and NJSLA. The table below reflects the point system. The assessments divide students into percentile ranks. The NJSLA divides students into point scales of 1-5. Both the PSAT and NJSLA consider a student proficient in mathematics when they reach the 58 PR. The NJSLA considers a student above grade level when they reach 91 PR.

  • World History
  • U.S. History I
  • U.S. History II

Advanced Placement
The Advanced Placement Program is a partnership between The College Board and individual schools. In addition to classes taught by Trenton High School teachers, students may have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement courses online.

Course Offerings:

  • AP U.S. History
  • AP US Government
  • AP European History