The Social Studies Curriculum Standards in Junior Secondary Schools; Input to Quality Instruction and Students’ Civic Competence

Abstract

Appraisal on the adequacy of Social Studies Curriculum Standards in ten Themes was the main objective of the research study. This endeavor was intended to provide input to quality Social Studies instruction in the Kto12 Basic Education Program and to help contribute to an enhanced students’ civic competence. The study utilized the quantitative descriptive research design with the questionnaire as the main instrument in gathering data from one hundred teachers in Department of Education, Zone 1, Division of Zambales, the Philippines during the School Year, 2017-2018. Findings established high adequacy of Social Studies Curriculum Standards on Themes: Culture; Time, Continuity and Change; People, Places and Environments; Power, Authority and Governance; Production, Distribution, and Consumption; Science, Technology and Society; Global Connections; and Civic Ideals and Practices. The themes which should include experiences for the study of Individual Development and Identity; and interactions among Individuals, Groups, and Institutions were assessed adequately. The Analysis of Variance result revealed a no significant difference in the perception towards dimensions on the adequacy of Social Studies Curriculum Standards in the Junior Secondary Schools. It was recommended that the teachers with the support of the School Heads should attend conferences focused on themes - Individual Development and Identity and Individual, Groups, and Institution in order to gain more insights how these themes be meaningfully presented to students in different Social Studies lessons, hence, contributes to the attainment of the intended goals of the Program.