Update on C3 Framework for Social Studies: Maine, as a member of the Social Studies Assessment Curriculum and Instruction Collaborative (SSACI) of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), was invited to participate in a “targeted review” of the C3 Framework. In the last week of April, the Maine C3 Review Team (comprised of 30+ educators from all grade levels and all regions of the state) provided feedback on the draft document. Our in-state review process was part of a larger targeted review where over 3000 respondents from the social studies community provided feedback on the C3 Framework. These stakeholders represented K-12 educators, university faculty, state education personnel, professional organization representatives, educational publishers, and cultural organizations. SSACI reported last week that, overall, the respondents offered a positive reaction to the content, structure, and format of the document.
CCSSO facilitated the process of developing the C3 Framework and has now completed its involvement with the project; National Council for the Social Studies will be publishing the document. The publication is anticipated to be completed in August 2013.
Keep in mind that the C3 Framework is NOT a standards document, but rather a framework for states and districts to consider as they look to upgrade existing standards. More information, as it becomes available, will be posted to this ListServ. And, of course, feel free to be in touch with me if you have any questions. In the meantime, a reminder that an eight page overview of the C3 Framework may be found here: http://www.maine.gov/education/lres/ss/documents/C3%20Vision%20Statement%20Nov%202012.pdf.
Sequestration Cuts Some NAEP Tests for Civics, History, and Geography: A recent article in EdWeek announced that the executive committee of the National Assessment Governing Board voted to indefinitely postpone the 4th and 12th grade tests in civics, history, and geography for 2014. The exams will continue for 8th graders. To read the article, visit: http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/campaign-k-12/2013/05/social_studies_naep_tests_post.html.
Free Summer Institute: Fighting for Freedom at Home & On the Front: Boston’s Struggle to End Slavery - The National Park Service African American Historic Site in Boston and the National Archives at Boston in Waltham are hosting a 2013 Summer Institute “Fighting for Freedom at Home and on the Front: Boston’s Struggle for Freedom, 1806 – 1865.” The program is free; $100 reservation fee to National Archives Gift Fund will be refunded upon your attendance. For more details: http://www.archives.gov/boston/education/summer-programs.html.
On behalf of MDOE ESL/Bilingual Programs:
Maine ESL Summer Academy 2013 for all content area teachers - Integrating content standards and English language development standards through academic language
June 25 – 27, 2013, Orono, Maine
A 3-day residential training held at the University of Maine – produced by the MDOE ESL/Bilingual programs in collaboration with Project Reach at the University of Maine
Using this three day interactive and differentiated academy, participants will have opportunities to work collaboratively to explore the language demands of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Participants will work together to integrate content and language standards to develop a custom design for instruction of English Language Learners that is comprehensible, challenging and grounded in academic language development. Participants will create materials using the three sets of standards. Although not a requirement, participants may bring lessons or units that they have created prior to the academy for feedback and development. http://umaine.edu/projectreach/profesional-development/2013-summer-academy/.
For registration details go to: http://www.maine.gov/education/esl/summeracademy/index.html.
Reminder: On behalf of KIDS Consortium:
Service-Learning Planning and Implementing Workshop – August 20-21, 2013; 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Freeport Middle School Library
Service-learning is a hands-on, learner-centered teaching strategy that challenges young people to work with community partners, applying academic knowledge and skills to solve real problems and needs. Through service-learning, students develop and demonstrate proficiency of standards (Common Core and Next Generation Science), including essential 21st century skills - critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and team work.
This 2-day training will help participants develop a basic understanding of KIDS Consortium’s award winning service-learning model. Through interactive games and visuals, participants will learn the difference between community based learning, community service, and service-learning, and why service-learning is an effective teaching strategy. You will be prepared to implement a high quality service-learning project using tools and strategies from our KIDS As Planners Guidebook and have time to plan "how to" integrate service-learning in to your teaching environment and receive feedback on your ideas.
Registration is required. Registration deadline: July 20. Fee is $300 and includes the KIDS As Planners Guidebook, contact hours certificate, light breakfast and lunch each day. Please visit our Website to register. We accept, check, PO’s, and credit card payments: http://www.kidsconsortium.org/getting_started.php.
