• Social Studies

  • THINKING PRO: A Project-Based Curriculum for High School Social Studies 

    THINKING PRO | Curriculum Unit is a 4–6 week, project-based program that develops critical thinking, reading, and writing skills in courses like American History, Civics, and Current Issues. Using an inquiry-based approach, the curriculum features interactive videos, analysis of local news, and a Capstone project where students research a local issue and present their findings. THINKING PRO aligns with national standards, focusing on key skills like primary source analysis, connecting current events to history, and fostering civic engagement.

     

    THINKING PRO | Essentials offers a flexible, self-paced option for targeted enrichment in existing units. The program also provides valuable support for multilingual learners, helping them develop stronger language and analytical skills.

     

    On the teacher side, the program includes standard-aligned assignments, rubrics, self-graded components, a gradebook, and a dashboard for real-time proficiency tracking.

     

    [Learn more about the full THINKING PRO curriculum here.]

  • How Schools Use THINKING PRO to Elevate Social Studies Learning

    Connect Current Events to Local History

    THINKING PRO engages students by linking current events with key aspects of local and national history. By analyzing real-world news and primary sources, students gain a deeper understanding of historical contexts and the ongoing impact of past events on their communities. This approach helps students make meaningful connections between history and the world around them, making social studies more relevant and engaging.

    Encourage Civic Engagement and Action

    THINKING PRO empowers students to become active participants in their communities. Through exploring local issues and developing evidence-based opinions, students are guided to create actionable plans for civic engagement. This real-world focus not only strengthens critical thinking skills but also inspires students to make informed decisions and contribute positively to society.

    Prepare Students for State and Graduation Testing

    THINKING PRO builds essential skills needed for success on state assessments and graduation tests. The program emphasizes evaluating evidence, analyzing primary sources, and constructing strong arguments, helping students excel in critical social studies exams through its structured activities and interactive videos.

  • Read the Social Studies Case Study

    See how THINKING PRO revitalized social studies education with a focus on local issues and student engagement. Read the full case study: "Local Focus, Lasting Impact: How THINKING PRO Revitalizes Social Studies" [here].

  • Funding Options for THINKING PRO

    Schools can leverage federal funding such as Title I and Title II to implement THINKING PRO in social studies classrooms:

    Title I Funds

    THINKING PRO supports Title I objectives by improving reading and analytical skills, particularly in evaluating historical sources and evidence. Its focus on critical thinking helps close achievement gaps and enhances student performance.

    Title II Funds

    THINKING PRO’s integrated professional development qualifies for Title II funding, enhancing teacher training and instructional practices. Evidence-based coaching and tailored training sessions help teachers effectively teach primary source analysis and critical evaluation.

  • For assistance with funding options or grant applications, please contact our team. We can help you secure the resources needed to bring THINKING PRO into your classroom.

  • Learn More 

    For a comprehensive overview of THINKING PRO, including its features, benefits, and evidence-based results, visit our homepage [here]. To read an in-depth case study on the impact of THINKING PRO in social studies classrooms, check out our blog [here].