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Improving Social Studies Achievement: An Interdisciplinary Approach, Lindalee Kaminski

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

A high percentage of students in a second grade class with low socio-economic characteristics demonstrated exceptionally low achievement in social studies. The problem was addressed by the implementation of an interdisciplinary program to increase basic skills in all areas of the curriculum. Activities designed to increase the target group's understanding of social studies concepts while practicing skills in reading, language arts, math, and science were incorporated into all subject areas utilizing a whole language approach. An emphasis on critical thinking and daily news events allowed for student growth in inferential comprehension and the formation of attitudes about the world. The …