SOCIAL STUDIES ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY FRAMEWORKS

 Not updated since 1998  Take advantage of new national frameworks (C3)  Revolution in social studies pedagogy and availability of primary sources  Stated need of teachers and social studies supervisors for updated framework document  Based on latest scholarship in social studies education Why New Frameworks?

 Created by 29 Connecticut educators  University/secondary school/elementary school  Writing team represents diversity of the state  Frameworks have been reviewed by over 150 teachers & curriculum leaders  Frameworks have had two independent/non-partisan outside reviews FRAMEWORKS ARE HOMEGROWN

 Each district develops social studies curriculum that is best for that district  Framework document is meant to guide districts in this process  Districts can develop social studies curriculum at a pace that is appropriate for each district FRAMEWORKS ARE NOT A CURRICULUM

 Social Studies should be taught grades K-12  Social studies includes an interdisciplinary approach that emphasizes geography, history, civics, economics  US History should be divided across three years  Inquiry should be the emphasized approach to social studies instruction MAJOR FEATURES OF SOCIAL STUDIES FRAMEWORK DOCUMENT

 Inquiry includes:  Asking questions  Evaluating sources  Using evidence to support positions  Taking informed action MAJOR FEATURES OF SOCIAL STUDIES FRAMEWORK DOCUMENT

 Taking informed action  Elementary Level in class/school  Collectively make classroom rules  Students design media presentation on “what makes our community special”  Secondary Level in school/community/region  Students organize support for a local food drive  Students speak at a local board of education meeting MAJOR FEATURES OF SOCIAL STUDIES FRAMEWORK DOCUMENT

 Local history and Connecticut history should be a part of the teaching social studies K-12  The teaching of history should be used to help students understand the present The Frameworks (cont.)

 Reading, writing and research skills play a critical role in social studies instruction  These skills should be taught and reinforced in the service of social studies Social Studies and Literacy

 Creation of a companion document (fleshing out content, inquiry, assessment in more detail)  workshops around the state introducing the frameworks and inquiry  Webinar series on the frameworks  6-8 Districts create model curriculum Next Steps

 Two summer workshops (June, August 2015)  2015 middle school, elementary school video competition: “Why Our Community Is Special”  Professional Development for Individual Districts Next Steps (cont.)

TO ACCESS THE FRAMEWORKS: Questions/Assistance/Comments: