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.

Current Events:

DRAFT REVISION OF THE NEW ELEMENTARY K-2 SOCIAL STUDIES CORE.

A revision of the core curriculum for K-2 is now in "Draft" format. 2009 "DRAFT" Core for Grades K-2. There are two versions of the document. One version provides a quick view of Standards, Objectives, and Indicators for each grade level. The second version provides an overarching view of each of the four Social Studies strands. Please preview the new core and provide any feedback to: tom.sutton@schools.utah.gov.

PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULE FOR THE NEW K-2 SOCIAL STUDIES CORE CURRICULUM.

Public Hearing

Elementary Social Studies Core Curriculum

for Kindergarten through Second Grade

Public comment is sought on Utah’s revised K-2 Social Studies Core Curriculum for grades kindergarten through two.  Open houses will be held at the following locations:

November 17, from 6-8 p.m.

Duchesne District Office

900 East Lagoon Street, Roosevelt, Utah

November 18, from 6-8 p.m.

Nebo Learning Center

570 South Main, Springville, Utah

 November 19, from 6-8 p.m.

Iron District Office

2077 W Royal Hunte Dr, Cedar City, Utah

November 20, from 6-8 p.m.

Carbon District Office, Training Room 3

251 W 400 N, Price, Utah

November 23, from 6-8 p.m.

Salt Lake City District Office, Room 116

440 East 100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah

November 24, from 6-8 p.m.

Weber School District Office

5320 Adams Ave Parkway, Ogden, Utah

November 30, from 6-8 p.m.

Logan City District Office

101 West Center, Logan, Utah

               

For those unable to attend the open houses, an on-line survey and a copy of the revised Elementary Social Studies Core Curriculum may be found at: http://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/socialstudies/ Comments are welcomed and encouraged. Comments will be received through November 30, 2009.  If you have questions, please call the Utah State Office of Education at (801) 538-7719.

 

ELEMENTARY SOCIAL STUDIES CORE REVISION
The revision of the core curriculum for elementary grades 3-6 is now complete and has been approved by the Board of Education. 2008 Core for Grades 3 - 6

WE SHALL REMAIN: A NATIVE HISTORY OF AMERICA AND UTAH

PBS, KUED launch a major multi-media series on Native American History and culture told through Native American eyes. The new Indian curriculum link is at utahindians.org.

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.

Internet Resources for Maps and Mapping

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.

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.

How about three credit hours of graduate-level coursework for $30? 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 Tom Sutton, State Social Studies Specialist - 801.538.7708; FAX 801.538.7769
This page last updated November 16, 2009