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:
REVISION OF THE NEW ELEMENTARY K-2 SOCIAL STUDIES CORE.
A revision of the Social Studies K-2 Core Curriculum has been approved by the Board of Education on December 4, 2009. K-2 Social Studies Core Curriculum. The document provides two views of the core. One view provides a quick view of Standards, Objectives, and Indicators for each grade level. The second view 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.
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:
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Remember to check out the great opportunities for teachers, often free of charge.
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See what some exemplary social studies teachers are doing in their classroom.
- To view other curriculum areas visit USOE Curriculum & Instruction
This page last updated January 11, 2010
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