Instruction emphasizes depth of development of important ideas within appropriate breadth of topic coverage and focuses on teaching these important ideas for understanding, appreciation, and life application. The significance and meaningfulness of the content is emphasized both in how it is presented to students and how it is developed through activities. Classroom interaction focuses on sustained examination of a few important topics rather than superficial coverage of many. Meaningful learning activities and assessment strategies focus students' attention on the most important ideas embedded in what they are learning. The teacher is reflective in planning, implementing, and assessing instruction.
Social studies teaching and learning are powerful when they are integrative.
Social studies is integrative in its treatment of topics. It is integrative across time and space. Social studies teaching integrates knowledge, skills, beliefs, values, and attitudes to action. Social studies teaching and learning integrate effective use of technology. Social studies teaching and learning integrate across the curriculum.