Social Studies
The goal of the Monroe-Woodbury High School Social Studies Program is to promote student understanding of Western and non-Western civilizations and to provide opportunities for in-depth study of selected areas of the social sciences through the elective and Advanced Placement Programs.
The required two-year Global History and Geography core curriculum is designed to focus on the five Social Studies standards, common themes that recur across time and place through seven historical eras. The curriculum provides students with the opportunity to explore the history and culture of various regions and civilizations at a given time. In addition, it enables them to investigate issues and themes from multiple perspectives and to make the global connections and linkages that lead to in-depth understanding.
The required 11th grade United States History and Government course is designed to promote understanding of the basic principles and cultural heritage that support U.S. democracy, the structure and function of government, and the expectations and responsibilities of a citizen in the United States.
The 12th grade program includes required courses in Economics and Participation in Government as well as elective and Advanced Placement options. Students are able to earn college credit through the Advanced Placement Program. Elective course offerings are available (1/2 credit per semester course) in areas of special interest that enable students to further develop their abilities and/or achieve advanced standing in college programs.
DEPARTMENT AND DISTRICT POLICY:
All students shall earn four credits in Social Studies.
All students must take and pass either the Regents examinations in Global History and Geography and United States History and Government or the appropriate Regents Competency Tests.
The four credits must include 1/2 credit in Participation in Government and 1/2 credit in Economics.
ALL PROGRAMS:
Criteria are established for admission to various levels of instruction. The final determination for course/program selection will reside with administration.
HONORS/ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAMS:
The Honors/AP Program affords an opportunity for a placement that comes with increased expectations, and greater and above average demands for independence. Students electing to enroll in these courses should be those enthusiastic students who possess better than average reading, writing, critical thinking and inquiry skills.
A minimum raw score average of 85% is a benchmark for continuation in the program and a review process may be initiated on a quarterly or semester basis to determine student supports and/or placement in an alternative course.
Additionally, students electing to enroll in Social Studies honors/AP courses must also satisfy the following requirements:
Students must have passed the prerequisite course with at least an 80 (i.e. a student electing to enroll in Global 10H had to pass Global 9R, 9H, or 9 Humanities H with an 80)
Students must not be doubled up in Social Studies or English due to failure (i.e. a student is repeating Global History 10 while also taking US History 11 or is repeating English 10 while also taking College English 11).
Students must not be enrolled in AIS for Social Studies or English.