The main purpose of the Social Studies Program is to have students learn how to become effective citizens, who are active and responsible participants of their communities, and who are committed to the fundamental values of principles of democracy. The Social Studies Program aims to meet the ongoing needs of students in a highly complex and rapidly changing society, and to provide them with life skills and competencies needed to survive in the adult world. The Massachusetts Social Studies Frameworks and Senior Project Guidelines provide the basis for the department curriculum.