Social Studies Department Goals

 2011-2012

1. Authentic Literacy

Reading

• Choose powerful readings (e.g., milestone documents & literature, provocative articles, current event articles) that will generate thinking/discussion. Increase the amount of reading done in class.
• Teach and model how to read closely, deeply and purposefully.
• Teach grade level social studies vocabulary upfront in each unit and also teach the academic vocabulary necessary for students to be successful.
• Continue to use the Thinking like a Historian framework (Cause and Effect, Change and Continuity, Turning Points, Using the Past, Through Their Eyes & Differing Perspectives) and APPARTS as tools for reading

Writing

·        Increase non-fiction writing at each grade level with higher expectations for the quality of writing (e.g., five-paragraph essays, DBQs, free response essays, journals, reflections).

·        Teach and model the writing process (e.g., rough draft, editing, revising).

·        Continue to use the Thinking like a Historian framework (Cause and Effect, Change and Continuity, Turning Points, Using the Past, Through Their Eyes & Differing Perspectives) and APPARTS as tools for writing.

Discussion

·        Increase the amount talking/discussion by randomly calling on students.

·        Use social studies discussion strategies (e.g., Socratic dialog, Socratic circles, national issues forums, consensus building/public deliberation, debate formats, rotating 2x2’s, 5 plus 1, book circles, etc.).

·        Continue to use the Thinking like a Historian framework (Cause and Effect, Change and Continuity, Turning Points, Using the Past, Through Their Eyes & Differing Perspectives) and APPARTS as tools for discussion.

2. Assessment

·        Use principles and practices of grading that indicate what the students have learned (e.g., homework/quizzes 15% of grade, no zeros if using 100 point scale, allowing for redoes)

·        Use formative assessment daily (assessment for learning – checking daily for understanding)

·        Use several common assessments (unit tests, semester exams – summative testing). Does the assessment match with the powersheet?

3. Professional Learning Community

·        Be a productive member of your PLC. It is critical that all members contribute equally to this process.

4. Technology

·        Use Web 2.0 technologies to make social studies more interactive and engaging for students. We want students to be communicators, collaborators, and creators using technology as a means to complete a product that is shared with a wider audience.

·        Participate in Smart Board Training (30 hours for new Smart boards, ___ hours for document cameras/clicker systems)

·        Use technology for formative assessment (e.g., Smart Board Clicker Response System, ipad, online surveys)