Social Studies Legal Basis in the Philippines

• Lesson 1 Topic Outline includes legal basis and Key stage standards

Legal Basis

• It provides lawful grounds to collect and process information according to a defined method, system, or principle
• A legal basis guarantees the permanence, continuity, universality, and compulsoriness of civil registration

Legal Basis for Teaching Social Studies in the Philippines

• Includes:
• Constitution
• Republic Acts
• Department of Education Policies

Constitutions

• Article XIV, Section 5: The State protects and promotes the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and makes education accessible to all
• Article II, Section 17: The State gives priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, strengthen national unity and consciousness, and promote international cooperation and understanding

Republic Acts

• Republic Act No. 10533 (Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013) mandates the inclusion of Social Studies in the K-12 curriculum framework
• Aims to develop lifelong learners who can think critically and creatively, learn independently and collaboratively, make informed decisions, and act responsibly
• Republic Act No. 7784 (An Act to Strengthen Teacher Education in the Philippines) promotes teacher education quality, including those preparing to teach Social Studies
• Republic Act No. 9155 (Governance of Basic Education Act) empowers the Department of Education (DepEd) to develop the K-12 curriculum, including Social Studies

Department of Education Policies

• DepEd Order No. 34, s. 2017 (K-12 Curriculum Guidelines) outlines specific learning competencies and content for Social Studies at different grade levels
• DepEd Memorandum No. 201, s. 2012 (Policy Guidelines on the K-12 Basic Education Program) reiterates the importance of Social Studies in developing responsible and engaged citizens

Elementary Social Studies Curriculum (Key Stage Standard)

• The Department of Education K-12 Curriculum guide spells out the standards for each learning area
• Basic education is grouped into four key stages with their equivalent grade levels:
• First key stage: kindergarten to grade 3
• Second key stage: grades 4 to 6
• Third key stage: grades 7 to 10
• Fourth key stage: grades 11 to 12

Key Stage 1 Standard (Kindergarten-Grade 3)

• Articulated in the vernacular or medium of instruction
• The use of Filipino is imperative to examine and understand the historical narrative and cultural identity of an evolving nation
• Filipino learners demonstrate basic understanding and values of self, family, school, and community, including concepts on continuity, change, distance, and direction
• Skills should be towards the attainment of an in-depth understanding of one's self

Kindergarten

• Learners demonstrate a basic understanding of one's self and of others to lay the foundation of developing social consciousness

Grade 1

• Students understand themselves as members of their family and school value the physical environment
• Concepts on continuity, change, distance, and direction are used in establishing personal and cultural identity
• Learning covers themes such as understanding yourself, responsibilities, and family, knowing and valuing your school, your home and environment

Grade 2

• Students are aware, understand, and appreciate their community's history
• Relevant concepts include continuity, change, power, leadership, responsibility, identity, geography, and primary historical resources

Grade 3

• Students have a broad understanding and appreciation of Philippine communities as part of provinces and regions based on its bio-geographical features, socio-cultural attributes, livelihood, and political institutions
• Concepts on continuity and change, and relations are explored
• Main learning topics include the location of the province, geographical basis and history, heroes, and cultural identity of the region

Key Stage 2 Standard (Grade 4-Grade 6)

• Highlights learners' productivity in being a member of Philippine society
• Learners demonstrate knowledge and skills as a productive, responsible, and patriotic Filipino:
• Use skills such as critical thinking, sound decision-making, creativity, sustainable use of resources, and effective communication
• Work towards national development

Grade 4

• Students develop national pride in being a Filipino who values cultural diversities and national goals
• Learning Content includes:
• Knowing the Philippines
• Location and Features
• Natural Resources
• Cultural IDs
• National Government
• Social Services

Grade 5

• Students understand and appreciate the formation of the Philippine archipelago and the development of the Philippines until the 19th century
• Learning content includes:
• Emergence of Civilization
• Culture and Society
• Transformation of Society
• Development of Filipino Nationalism

Grade 6

• students need to understand the nation's history from the 20th century until the modern era
• This will help them build a Filipino and nationwide identity
• Learning includes propaganda and independence movement, the Republic and Filipino-American War

This curriculum content of elementary social studies expects learners to develop the desired learning attributes of a civic competent and nationalist citizens of the country.