Social Studies News and Updates
January/February 2020
Social Studies Leadership Meetings - Register Now!
During the remaining meetings we will have time devoted to collaboration and will spend time learning about the revised standards, C3 Framework and disciplinary literacy practices.
Secondary - 7:30 to 2:30
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Legacy Room (Previously ABCD)
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Genesee Career Institute Explore and Experience Rooms
Secondary meeting registration link.
Elementary - 8:30 to 3:00
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Genesee Career Institute Explore and Experience Rooms
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Erwin L. Davis Education Center Room G
Revised Standards Update - Needs Survey
“The purpose of this survey is for you to identify social studies professional learning needs that will help you in your role to improve teaching and learning in Michigan schools. The data collected from this survey will be shared with regional social studies leaders to connect you to professional learning opportunities aligned with your needs.”
New Michigan Social Studies Hub Website Now Live!
The latest addition is the launch of the new Michigan Social Studies Hub website where all materials and opportunities will be posted. To date you will find the following:
- Request to complete Needs Assessment Survey (mentioned above)
- Four brief videos about the standards
- The revised standards available in full document, grade bands, and single grade documents
- C3 Framework document
- K-12 Side-by-Side document
- Example changes documents
K-12 Social Studies Teachers: MDE NEEDS YOU!
From MDE Spotlight
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) relies on teachers from all social studies content areas, grades K-12, from across the state to help develop, write, and review items for our state assessments.
The MDE application process allows teachers to apply online to work with the following committees:
- Item Writing – Teachers develop the items for Michigan’s social studies M-STEP assessments. The process begins with an overview of the new standards and a closer look at some of the more significant changes. Teachers learn how to design items that assess student understanding of these learning expectations and develop stand-alone items as well as items that will be part of a “context” or stimulus based question set.
- Content Advisory Committees – Teachers not involved in the item writing process are needed to provide content-related feedback and recommendations on those items both before and after they have been field tested.
- Bias and Sensitivity Committees – Teachers not involved in the item writing process are needed to provide bias and sensitivity-related feedback and recommendations on those items both before and after they have been field tested. We begin new test development work this February, so apply soon! Please complete the online application.
TIME SENSITIVE: White House History Teacher Institute
White House History Teacher Institute
National Teacher Professional Development Program
Application Deadline Approaching!
February 1, 2020 at 11:59 pm EST
The White House History Teacher Institute is an immersive five-day summer program in Washington, D.C hosted by the WHHA. We will offer two sessions:July 6-10, 2020 & July 13-17, 2020.
The program is open to all K-12 educators. In order to attend, you must apply as space is limited. Online applications close February 1, 2020 at 11:59 PM EST.Lodging and some meals covered as well as travel stipends available for all accepted participants. To learn more check out the program webpage.
#GoOpen Michigan - Open Educational Resources (OER)
#GoOpen Michigan is a community of educators and learners who access and contribute free, openly licensed, high-quality digital resources to enable equitable transformative learning experiences.
Medal of Honor Character Development Program
On the website you will find and overview of the program which includes a Fact Sheet and brochure, and all of the lessons and materials for both the Elementary and the Secondary programs.
You can also request a thumb drive with the materials.
Additionally, you will find the stories of Medal of Honor Recipients, information on the Citizen Service Before Self Honors, background on the Medal of Honor, upcoming training sessions, and much more.
HS Economic Resources
AP US History Resources
Free Presidential Primary Sources Project (PPSP)
Although the series has already begun, you can register to participate in the remaining sessions.
PPSP is a free, interactive classroom video conferencing program for students in grades 4-12. Here is the brochure.
Videoconferencing Topics, Dates, and Times
Microsoft Learning Tools: Immersive Reader
Coordinator for Instruction - Social Studies
Email: rsovis@geneseeisd.org
Location: 2413 West Maple Avenue, Flint, MI, USA
Phone: 180-591-4520
Twitter: @roysovis