1. K-5 Social Studies Education
Andrew Kraft
Winston-Salem / Forsyth County Schools

2. Why do you want to go into teaching?
Love kids
Long hours
Make a difference
Low pay
Great role models
Difficult students / coworkers
 40 to 50 percent of new teachers leave within their first five years on the job.

3. Summary Curriculum Instruction Assessment
K-5 Social Studies essential standards
Instruction
Student centered pedagogy
Inquiry Based
Civic Action
Assessment
Growth – vs. - Proficiency
Authentic Performance tasks

4. Continuous Improvement
What do we teach?
How do we teach?
Assessment
Analyze results

5. Why do we teach Social Studies?
So students will do things that strengthen their community
Vote
Manage money wisely
Obey the law
Take care of the environment
Respect others

6. Quality Social Studies Instruction
Facts
Concepts
Inquiry
Civic Action

7. Curriculum (What) Instruction (How) Assessment
K-5 Social Studies essential standards
Instruction (How)
Student centered pedagogy
Inquiry Based
Civic Action
Assessment
Growth – vs. - Proficiency
Authentic Performance tasks

8. What do we teach in Social Studies?
NC Essential Standards
WSFCS
Departments
Unpacked Essential Standards
Grade.Strand.Number
1.) What are the 5 strands for the K-8 Social Studies essential standards?
2.) Identify one thing in each strand that “students will know, understand or be able to do.”

9. What do we teach in Social Studies?
Is there a connection between the 5 strands?
Does geography influence economics?
Does culture influence civics & government?
Ask students to use personal examples

10. Prioritize  the following belief statements from most to least important:
A. There is essential knowledge in my subject area that all students should be taught. 
B. It is important that my students learn the disciplinary skills associated with my subject matter.
C. It is fundamental that my students learn to support their reasoning with evidence. 
D. Content is foundational in my curriculum planning and instruction. 
E. It is important that students use what they have learned to take action and engage  within their community. 

11. How do we teach K-5 Social Studies?
Priorities
Pacing
Integration with ELA, Math, Science

12. How do we teach K-5 Social Studies?
WS/FCS pacing guides
WS/FCS unit plans
Standards
Essential Questions / I can statements
Key Vocabulary / Factual Content

13. How do we teach K-5 Social Studies?
3 step lesson plan
Beginning
Middle
End
Inquiry based projects
Compelling question
Supporting questions
Summative assessment

14. How do we teach K-5 Social Studies?
Three parts of a lesson plan
Beginning
Activate prior knowledge
Middle
New material (guided & independent practice)
End
Assessment

15. How do we teach K-5 Social Studies?
Kristine Brixius – Sedge Garden Elem – Kindergarten
Paige Sipe – Brunson Elem – 5th grade

16. How do we teach K-5 Social Studies?
You try - create an outline for a lesson
Pick a standard
Identify
Activating strategy
Instructional activity
Assessment

17. How do we teach K-5 Social Studies?
Inquiry Based Learning
Compelling Question
Supporting Question 1
Supporting Question 2
Supporting Question 3
*Summative Assessment

18. How do we teach K-5 Social Studies?
· 5. H.1.1 Evaluate the relationships
between European explorers (French,
English and Spanish) and American Indian groups, based on the accuracy of historical information (beliefs, fears and leadership).
· 5. C.1.1 Analyze the change in leadership, cultures, and everyday life of American Indian groups before and after European exploration.
Should America Celebrate Columbus Day?

19. Assessment in K-5 Social Studies?
What does the state assess?
Teacher effectiveness as defined by student growth
How does the state assess?
NC Final Exam
How will you assess?

20. Assessment in K-5 Social Studies?
What does the state assess?

22. Assessment in K-5 Social Studies
WSFCS Research and Evauation with materials from SAS, NCDPI

23. Assessment in K-5 Social Studies

24. Assessment in K-5 Social Studies?
What are examples of
Factual content on the NCFE
Conceptual understanding on the NCFE
Skills tested on the NCFE

25. Assessment in K-5 Social Studies?
Civic Action

26. Your classroom
What will you include in your K-5 Social Studies instruction?
Daily
Monthly
Yearly