1. Oregon Social Sciences Instructional Materials Criteria Committee
Andrea Morgan, Education Specialist
Oregon Department of Education

2. Objective Gain understanding of the new Core Standards format
Gain understanding of how new standards may impact selection of instructional materials

3. Core Standards
Core standards = big ideas/ lasting understandings/key generalizations
Standards = indicators that get students to the big ideas
Based on Doug Reeves’ criteria of: Endurance, Leverage, and Readiness for next level of learning

4. Core Standards
New generation of standards that focus on big ideas and key concepts at each grade level
Standards that are fewer, more focused, and coherent
Standards that allow teachers to see learning progression within and between grade levels
Standards that help teachers design more effective lessons, focus instruction, and develop formative assessments

5. Core Standards Opportunities for Social Sciences:
New standards structure may alleviate some of the content debate
New structure will renew focus on content areas through professional development around the new core standards

6. Core Standards Challenges for Social Sciences:
Four subject areas, geography, history, economics, civics and government, are required by statute
Social Science Analysis & Historical Thinking
Multiple perspectives regarding content and level of importance
Tendency for teachers to “own” a favorite unit

7. This Draft of Standards Includes:
Core Standards categories beyond the statute to highlight inclusion of content
Grade Level Standards for K-8 and High School
Assigned Eras – “to include, but not limited to”
Recognition of Common State Standards for Literacy

8. What is still to come?
Content and Assessment Panel Review of Standards Draft
Outside Review of Standards Draft
State Board of Education adoption of standards
Support documents with content suggestions
Professional development – “Moving Social Sciences Education Forward”

9. Requirements that impact Oregon Social Sciences instruction
Oregon Academic Content Standards
Oregon Diploma requirements
Essential Skills
Common Core State Standards (Literacy in Social Studies)
National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP)
State legislation (e.g., Irish Famine, Oregon Studies)

10. Contact Information
Andrea Morgan, Education Specialist Oregon Department of Education