Pier Larsen
Coordinator of Social Studies
972-968-6180

Pier Larsen has worked for Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD since 1999, teaching a variety of history and law academy courses at Creekview High School, serving as the department chair, and reading A.P. exams for the College Board before becoming the Coordinator of Social Studies.  Mrs. Larsen began her undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University.  Following a move to Texas, she graduated with a dual major in English and History at the University of North Texas.  After being named a James Madison Memorial Foundation Fellow in 1997, she attended the Madison Foundation Institute at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and received her masters in history from UNT in 1999.

Social Studies Overview

Social Studies is an integrated study which increases students fundamental understanding of their role as a citizen in the community, state, nation, and world.  Students acquire and use the skills of individual and group inquiry to examine cultural diversity necessary to thrive in an interdependent world.

Philosophy
Social Studies is an integrated study which increases students fundamental understanding of their role as a citizen in the community, state, nation, and world.  Students acquire and use the skills of individual and group inquiry to examine cultural diversity necessary to thrive in an interdependent world. Therefore, students will think creatively and critically about the past in order to solve present, recurring, and future problems. As a result of their Social Studies education, they are prepared to be active citizens in a democratic society.

Guiding Principles

1. Social studies should be studied K-12 by every student with activities that are developmentally appropriate.
2. Social studies should be sequenced in a manner to avoid major gaps and needless repetitions through vertical and horizontal alignment.
3. Social studies should be presented in an integrated program of social sciences, humanities and other disciplines when appropriate.
4. Social studies should involve active participation so students will acquire the ability and desire to become fully engaged in the activities of society.
5. Social studies should provide repeated practice for using the critical and creative skills in relevant situations for use in student study, presentations, and classroom discussion.
6. Social studies should help students recognize each person as a valuable individual, encourage respect for the civil rights of all people, and emphasize students shared heritage.