The History and Social Science framework now includes literacy standards. This is a new approach to teaching and learning; it is not a change in content. It allows the teacher to go in-depth with content by using explicit strategies to help students learn the language of the discipline. This change also preserves the integrity of the content without placing overdue emphasis on literacy. The focus on literacy is a tool for inquiry. In addition to learning to read history, students also must learn the practices of historians and social scientists such as:

1. Research
2. Evaluating and analyzing primary and secondary sources
3. Considering multiple points of view
4. Creating an evidence-based argument
5. Writing to text
6. Interpreting data

While the practices associated with this discipline are already being taught, they now need to be taught more explicitly.

Consider the literacy and writing skills necessary for students to succeed in history and social studies. Then, reflect on the ways you have been using or can use literacy practices to access historical content.