The Alabama Course of Study: Social Studies (Bulletin 2004, No. 18) provides the framework for the K-12 social studies program in Alabama’s public schools. Content standards and related content in this document are minimum and required (Code of Alabama, 1975, §16-35-4), fundamental and specific, but not exhaustive

The 2003-2004 Social Studies State Course of Study Committee and Task Force used information from the following documents as guidelines for the development of this course of study: Geography for Life: National Geography Standards, National Geographic Research and Exploration, 1994; National Standards for Civics and Government, Center for Civic Education, 1994; Expectations of Excellence: Curriculum Standards for Social Studies, National Council for the Social Studies, 1994; Voluntary National Content Standards in Economics, National Council on Economic Education, 1998; National Standards for History, National Center for History in the Schools, 1996; Path Toward World Literacy, National Geographic Society, 2001; and National Standards for the Teaching of High School Psychology, American Psychological Association, 1997.

In addition, Committee members and the Task Force attended state, regional, and national conferences; read articles in professional journals and other publications; reviewed similar curriculum documents from other states; listened to and read statements from interested individuals and groups from throughout the state; used each member’s academic and experiential knowledge; and discussed issues among themselves and with colleagues. Using these sources, the Committee and Task Force developed what they believe to be the best possible social studies curriculum for Alabama’s K-12 students.

The 2004-2005 Cherokee County Social Studies Course of Study Committee correlated the state-mandated standards and other required materials with appropriate student assessments and textbooks adopted by the system. They incorporated additional resources and integrated the course of study with technology.

Acknowledgments

The 2004-2005 Cherokee County Social Studies Course of Study Committee consisted of the following members:

1. Kindergarten – Second Grades Pam Miller

2. Third – Fourth Grades Gina Roe

3. Fifth – Sixth Grades Teresa Harrison

4. Seventh – Eighth Grades Pam Gossett

5. Ninth – Tenth Grades Lynn Ferguson

6. Eleventh – Twelfth Grades Jonathan McWhorter

7. Committee Coordinator Ann Dykes