Social Studies

Social Studies

Department Head: Mr. Homar Saenz


At B.L. Gray Junior High, students are enrolled in a 45-minute social studies class.  Students explore Texas history in 7th grade and American history in 8th grade.  Students are academically challenged with projects and prepared to be successful on the comprehensive STAAR History exam.
Teachers utilize a variety of resources including technology and websites like, Study Island, United Streaming media clips, library databases, and videos to educate the students and capture their interest.

7th Grade
Texas Studies - Texas Studies provides a comprehensive course in Texas geography, government, and history, from prehistoric cultures in Texas to twentieth century Texas. Utilizing primary and secondary sources to analyze, organize, and interpret information students will work toward the goals stated in T.E.K.S. Students will be introduced to significant individuals, significant events, and important dates in Texas History. The Texas constitution and the structure of the Texas government, the cultural heritage of Texas, and the urbanization of Texas are among those topics covered. The goal of Texas studies is to help students become knowledgeable, civically, responsible Texas citizens.

Texas Studies Pre-AP - This course is offered for those students who want to prepare for high school AP (Advanced Placement) classes. Students choosing Pre-AP classes should be strong writers and readers. These classes emphasize the development of advanced skills and encourage students to strive for academic excellence. Pre-AP strategies will include introducing skills necessary to prepare students for success for high school AP classes. These strategies may include researching and completing independent projects, concentration on extensive vocabulary development, interviewing skills, higher level thinking skills, interpreting historical documents, oral presentations, use of the internet for research purposes. etc.



8th Grade
United States History - History of America beginning to 1877 provides a comprehensive course focusing on the political, economic, and social issues, which have challenged our nation from its early Colonial stage through the Reconstruction Era. The use of a variety of primary and secondary source materials will enable students to analyze, organize and evaluate the impact of key issues, events and individuals on the development of the United States, as stated in "Texas Essentials of Knowledge and Skills" for Social Studies. In meeting this goal, students will be introduced to the cultural diversity of our country and its democratic heritage. This, in turn, will foster an understanding of their individual identity as Americans, emphasizing the importance of patriotism, and an appreciation of basic democratic values leading leading them to become civically responsible citizens.

United States History Pre-AP - This course is for those students who want to prepare for high school AP (Advanced Placement) classes. Students choosing Pre- AP classes should be strong writers and readers. These classes emphasize the development of advanced skills and strategies and encourage students to strive for academic excellence. These strategies include researching and completing independent projects, concentration on extensive vocabulary development, interviewing skills, interpreting historical documents, oral presentations, use of internet for research purposes, engaging in events which involve conflicting historical interpretations, etc. This activities will enhance higher order critical thinking skills needed to be successful in high school AP classes.

Special Education Support
Resource Reading - This course is designed to develop work attack skills, vocabulary development, and comprehension skills. Students will also develop basic skills in writing, regular and language.

Resource Math - This course emphasizes basic math skills and applications. Essential elements and course objectives are modified to meet individual needs.

Resource Language - This course emphasizes on the basic skills in writing, reading,, and literature.

Self-contained - This class is for the students who have multiple handicapping conditions. They study manipulative skills, vocational skills, basic language and math skills, keyboarding, and personal health skills. They also participate in regular P.E. classes as well as art.

Language Support
Recent Immigrants (ESL Students) 7th Grade - ESL students are recent immigrants who have not yet passed the LAS Test at Level 3. Students take two electives from required course and take the following subjects: ESL Reading, ESL Writing, ESL Speaking and Listening (7th & 8th grade mixed class), ESL Mathematics, ESL Social Studies, ESL Science.