Social Studies: Central to the

Mission of Public Education

The National Council for the Social Studies defines social studies as "the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence." For students to become fully empowered participants in democracy, attention must be paid to this "civic competence." The social studies -- including history, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology -- are central to the mission of public schools.

With your help and input this site will be kept up-to-date and reflect the best resources for social studies in our state. Please send your lesson plans, material ideas, and web site information to Robert Austin, Social Studies curriculum specialist at robert.austin@schools.utah.gov or call (801) 538-7708.

Current Events:

ELEMENTARY SOCIAL STUDIES CORE REVISION
The core curriculum for elementary grades 3-6 is now being revised. The writing committees and steering committees have been hard at work on the draft. Core Revision Process Powerpoint. Here is the latest draft: Core Revision Link. There is an on-line way to record your comments. You just need to log in using the simple login button and answer 8 questions. http://www.myutips.org/tests/show_test.cfm?mypage=1&folder_ID=312949

We hope to send the core on to the State Board of Education for initial approval in the spring of 2008, with full implementation of the core in the 2008-2009 school year.

LATEST SOCIAL STUDIES NEWSLETTER is where you will find the most up-to-date social studies information. Here is where you can read about upcoming events.

THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE CAMPAIGN is where you will find the most up-to-date information on Election 2008.

Check the Calendar for links to all sorts of events, including summer courses, the next Saturday Seminar, the Michael Pollan workshop and lecture, and more.

Core Writing Teams hard at work

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS !
The USOE offers a variety of courses every summer, and throughout the school year. Over 400 teachers took courses this summer. Check the calendar for more information and how to register. As courses are added, the calenda is updated. In addition to what the USOE offers, great opportunities for teachers, often inexpensive or free of charge, cross my desk on a regular basis. Here are links to some examples. Some of their offerings for the summer of 2007 filled up fast, so check in regularly for other opportunities:

How about three credit hours of graduate-level coursework for $40? This link takes you to the Tanner Humanities Center at the University of Utah. The THC offers Gateway to Learning Workshops for Educators. www.thc.utah.edu

The Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah offers many great opportunities for teachers including their annual Huntsman Seminar: http://www.hinckley.utah.edu/events/seminar/

This link will take you to an institute that explores the role of the Supreme Court and helps you learn about cases, develop lessons about the Supreme Court, and meet with key players in the confirmation process for Justices. www.streetlaw.org/scsipage.asp

This link is to the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. www.gilderlehrman.org

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Teacher Fellowship Program is developing a national corps of skilled secondary school educators who serve as leaders in Holocaust education. www.ushmm.org

Utah has its own Holocaust Memorial as well

Study at Landmark Sites with the Bill of Rights Institute: http://www.billofrightsinstitute.org/ProfessionalDevelopment /
SummerInstitute/Description.htm

The Uintah Basin Teaching American History Grant has an incredible web site with links to countless resources:
http://www.uintahbasintah.org/

The Tooele School District Teaching American History Grant has an incredible web site with links to countless resources:
http://www.tooelesd.org/portal/tah/Home/tabid/1433/Default.aspx


Other Information:

 

 

For further information, contact Robert Austin, State Social Studies Specialist - 801.538.7708; FAX 801.538.7769
This page last updated April 25, 2008