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Social Studies News and Updates
Stay up to date on news, information, and events:
Social Studies ListServ
Keeping PK-12 Social Studies Teachers current on issues and information from the Maine Department of Education. Click here to subscribe to the Social Studies Listserv.
Recent postings from Kristie Littlefield, Social Studies Specialist at the Maine Department of Education (updated 5/21/12):
New CCSS Resources Page; MCSS Proposals; Social Studies Workshops Reminder (5/21/12)
Updated Social Studies Standards Web Page: If you haven’t visited the Maine DOE Social Studies Standards page in awhile (or ever), you may want to take a look…you’ll find some information and resources for the Common Core State Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, including a recording of last week’s webinar, Common Core: Implications for 6-12 Social Studies, along with some other resources for your consideration.
You can view the page here: http://www.maine.gov/education/lres/ss/standards2.html More to come!
REMINDER - MCSS Call for Proposals: Maine Council for the Social Studies has announced their fall conference, Strengthening the Common Corps: Teaching for Citizenship in the 21st Century. The conference will be on Friday, November 9, at the Augusta Civic Center. MCSS is now accepting proposals for elementary, middle, and high school workshops. To submit a proposal, go to www.memun.org/mcss and click on the Request for Proposals link. Please email your proposal to mainesocialstudies@gmail.com by June 1st.
REMINDER: Regional Social Studies Workshop Sessions: These sessions are designed for middle and high school social studies teachers. Connect with other social studies teachers in your region and explore ways that the Common Core State Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies can support thinking and learning in your content area. Each session will include an overview of the Common Core State Standards, as they relate to social studies, and updates on the current state of social studies education at the state and national levels. All workshops are FREE.
Maine State Museum Special Educator Preview; May Workshops; Webinar Wednesday (5/15/12)
On behalf of the Maine State Museum: Special Educator Preview – Wednesday, May 30 4:30 PM
The Maine State Museum invites all educators to a special preview of our newest exhibit, Malaga Island, Maine’s Forgotten Legacy
This powerful new exhibit uses historical photographs, documents, archaeological artifacts, and perspectives of present-day people to tell the story of the mixed-race community evicted from Malaga Island one hundred years ago. Please join the education staff of the Maine State Museum to learn more about the educational programming that will accompany the exhibit including:
- an in-depth gallery program;
- live webcast discussions with exhibit designer, curator, archaeologists, and scholars;
- additional teacher materials and training workshops exploring the themes of ethnicity, civil rights, social justice and much more
All educators are invited to stay for an evening lecture by Kate McBrien, exhibit curator at 6:30 PM. For more information please contact Joanna Torow at 207-287-6608 or joanna.torow@maine.gov.
REMINDER: Regional Social Studies Workshop Sessions: These sessions are designed for middle and high school social studies teachers. Connect with other social studies teachers in your region and explore ways that the Common Core State Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies can support thinking and learning in your content area. Each session will include an overview of the Common Core Standards, as they relate to social studies, and updates on the current state of social studies education on the state and national levels. All workshops are FREE.
TOMORROW’S WEBINAR (5/16/12) - CCSS for Literacy in History/Social Studies Webinar for 6-12 Teachers: If you’re unable to attend one of the regional workshop sessions, join tomorrow’s webinar. Not able to make that either? No worries. The session will be recorded and posted to the Maine DOE Social Studies web pages. Tomorrow’s webinar will last about an hour and will begin at 3:30 pm.
To join the meeting:
- Go online to http://stateofmaine.adobeconnect.com/pk20151612a/.
- Select 'Enter as a Guest' and type your name in the corresponding field.
- No phone connection is necessary. To listen, be sure your computer speakers are on and set at an appropriate level.
MCSS Fall Conference; Upcoming PD; Reminders (5/8/12)
Save the Date: Maine Council for the Social Studies Conference Friday, November 9 at the Augusta Civic Center. MCSS is now accepting proposals for elementary, middle, and high school workshops for Strengthening the Common Corps: Teaching for Citizenship in the 21st Century. To submit a proposal, go to www.memun.org/mcss and click on the Request for Proposals link. (You will also find a link to the May-June MCSS newsletter on the site.) Please email your proposal to mainesocialstudies@gmail.com by June 1st.
Library of Congress’ Teaching with Primary Sources FREE online professional development: Designed specifically for educational leaders, participants complete independent assignments and five one-hour voice chat discussion sessions. TPS:BASICS is an educate-the-educator course that models inquiry teaching and learning, incorporating primary sources at each stage of the inquiry cycle using classroom-ready model activities and time-tested practices. Working individually and in collaboration with fellow participants, educational leaders complete and develop inquiry-based learning activities to share with their local colleagues. Participants will complete a total of fifteen hours of professional development and will receive a certificate of completion. Wednesdays, May 23rd – June 20th 1:00 - 2:00 pm (chat sessions) OR 5:30 - 6:30 pm (chat sessions) Register online: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BV7X96H For more information, visit: https://tps.waynesburg.edu/tpseasternregion/events.
Reminder: Webinar: Common Core: Implications for 6-12 Social Studies
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 – 3:30 pm
Maine DOE Social Studies Specialist, Kristie Littlefield, will be conducting a series of upcoming webinars on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Literacy in History/Social Studies, designed specifically for social studies teachers. The first session will provide an introduction and overview of the structure of CCSS with a focus on implications for 6-12 social studies instruction. Dates and topics for additional webinars will be posted soon. All webinars will be recorded and available for later viewing on the DOE site.
To join the meeting:
- Go online to http://stateofmaine.adobeconnect.com/pk20151612a/.
- Select 'Enter as a Guest' and type your name in the corresponding field.
- No phone connection is necessary. To listen, be sure your computer speakers are on and set at an appropriate level.
Reminder: 3 Regional Social Studies Workshop Sessions Scheduled: These sessions are designed for middle and high school social studies teachers. Connect with other social studies teachers in your region and explore ways that the Common Core State Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies can support thinking and learning in your content area. Each session will include an overview of the Common Core Standards, as they relate to social studies, and updates on the current state of social studies education on the state and national levels. All workshops are FREE.
Reminder: Deadline for the 8th Grade Citizenship Award Program is May 23, 2012. For more information visit: http://www.maine.gov/sos/kids/student-programs/8th_citi.html or contact Nicole Ladner at nicole.ladner@maine.gov or 207-626-8400.
On behalf of College of the Atlantic: Strengthening Wabanaki Content for the Classroom, taught by Raney Bench of the Abbe Museum, and Donald Soctomah, Passamaquoddy – June 24 - 30, 2012
The Wabanaki have lived in Maine for over 12,000 years, and remain as politically sovereign Nations with their own land base and elected officials. This course is designed to give teachers from all grade levels the background information about Wabanaki culture needed to effectively meet their requirements for Social Studies and the Wabanaki Initiative. The course will focus on Wabanaki life prior to European contact, through the present political relationships with the state and federal governments. Each day guest speakers from Wabanaki communities will present on a variety of topics, from birch bark art and canoes, to traditional uses of plants, to the Maine Settlement Act.
In addition, the course is designed to take the burden off teachers to create Wabanaki units, instead focusing on smaller, interdisciplinary lessons that can be folded into their current curriculum throughout the year. Teachers will leave the class knowing more about Wabanaki culture from direct interactions with Wabanaki artists, linguists, and cultural leaders; with the skills to better evaluate media for stereotypes and inaccuracies; and with a complete lesson plan they design, ready to use in their classrooms.
This course can be taken for CEU or graduate credit. Limited scholarship funding is available.
For a complete course description, information on how to register, or to apply for scholarship assistance, please visit COA’s website at http://www.coa.edu/summercoursereginfo.htm, call 1-800-597-9500 or e-mail summer@coa.edu.
On behalf of the Center for the Study of Early American History: Center for the Study of Early American History – All the Kingdoms of the Earth: Henry Knox's World in Global, National, and Local Perspective
Deadline for applications: June 1, 2012 – still a few openings; July 16 - 20, 2012
The Center for the Study of Early American History at The General Henry Knox Museum announces its seventh annual Summer Teacher Institute, open to all teachers of history and social studies. The program integrates classroom lectures, hands-on projects, public events and field trips. During the 2012 Institute participants will explore Henry Knox's historical milieu, gaining an appreciation for the ways in which local and regional history can illuminate larger historical trends, and learning ways to bring this into their classrooms.
Funding from several generous donors, matching a grant from the Sunshine Lady Foundation, allows us to offer this program free of charge for those interested in CEU's or contact hours, and some free housing is available for students not able to commute. In this course, participants will:
- Increase their subject knowledge of early American history through community resources and stories
- Learn from noted experts and scholars
- Earn up to 40 contact hours OR we anticipate you will be able to register with the University of Maine's Hutchinson Center for college credit (3 credit hours, a U Maine registration fee applies)
- Complete a research project that informs their work in the classroom.
For more information: http://knoxmuseum.org/education.html.
Upcoming DOE Social Studies Webinar & Regional Workshops; HHRC Bully 2.0 Series; Questing Course (5/1/12)
Webinar: Common Core: Implications for 6-12 Social Studies – Wednesday, May 16, 2012 – 3:30 pm
Maine DOE Social Studies Specialist, Kristie Littlefield, will be conducting a series of upcoming webinars on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Literacy in History/Social Studies, designed specifically for social studies teachers. The first session will provide an introduction and overview of the structure of CCSS with a focus on implications for 6-12 social studies instruction. Dates and topics for additional webinars will be posted soon. All webinars will be recorded and available for later viewing on the DOE site.
To join the meeting:
- Go online to http://stateofmaine.adobeconnect.com/pk20151612a/.
- Select Enter as a Guest and type your name in the corresponding field.
- No phone connection is necessary. To listen, be sure your computer speakers are on and set at an appropriate level.
3 Regional Social Studies Workshop Sessions Scheduled: These sessions are designed for middle and high school social studies teachers. Connect with other social studies teachers in your region and explore ways that the Common Core State Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies can support thinking and learning in your content area. Each session will include an overview of the Common Core Standards, as they relate to social studies, and updates on the current state of social studies education on the state and national levels. All workshops are FREE.
Bully 2.0: From Kicking Sand to Clicking Send series at HHRC: The Holocaust and Human Rights Center (HHRC) of Maine is sponsoring a spring series in May of free film showings, discussions and workshops focused on raising awareness about bullying. The series takes place throughout May at the HHRC located on the University of Maine at Augusta campus. The events are geared to students, educators and community members. Contact hours are available for attending most events. For a complete listing of events, check out the HHRC site. Once on the page, click on the Bully 2.0 flyer in the right-hand column. http://hhrc.uma.edu/exhibition/coming-winter-2011-digging-in-the-ruins-of-history-memory-the-nazi-holocaust/
On behalf of HGLC:
2012 Summer Courses for Educators at Herring Gut Learning Center
This July, Herring Gut Learning Center will offer two multi-day courses for educators on project-based learning at our beautiful waterfront campus in Port Clyde (a scenic mid-coast fishing village). Although better known for our classroom science projects, one of the professional development courses that HGLC is offering this year is perfect for elementary and middle level social studies teachers. "Classroom Quests" is an ideal place-based education project for teachers who want to learn an innovative way to integrate their lessons into their local community. The application and scholarship deadline for this course is May 31st, 2012.
Our three-day, 25 hour Questing course will be taught by Steve Glazer, co-author of Questing: A Guide to Creating Community Treasure Hunts and an internationally respected leader in the growing field of place-based education. Steve is also the creator of four different Quest curricula for social studies teachers including: a Civil War Quest, an early settlement Quest, a cemetery Quest and a village Quest.
A Quest is a treasure hunt that tells a story about a particular place such as: the rise and decline of waterfront industries, how immigration has shaped your community, or how Native Americans once lived there. A finished Quest includes: movement clues leading to key locations in the story; teaching clues describing these places and features; a Quest map that illustrates the journey and story; and a hidden Quest Box that contains a Quest stamp, sign-in book, and extra information. At the end of the course you will not only know how to lead your students in the creation of a Quest in their own region but you will also have created a Quest for use by visitors and residents alike that tells the story of Port Clyde's fishery.
The tuition for all of our sessions is $675.00 and includes instruction, all materials, breakfast and lunch daily, a boat trip on Muscongus Bay, and free on-campus housing in our lovely, renovated farmhouse for up to six participants who are unable to commute. Partial scholarships are available to a limited number of applicants. Graduate credits and CEU's are also offered. To be eligible to apply for on-campus housing or scholarships, complete applications must be received by May 31, 2012.
FMI and to register for any one of our sessions please go to: http://www.herringgut.org/forteachers.html.
Social Studies Conversation; Service-Learning Guide; Free Electronic Field Trip; Upcoming FREE PD Opportunities (4/24/12)
Reminder: Social Studies Community Group Conversation: The conversation continues on Wednesday, April 25 from 3:30-4:30. The session will focus on brainstorming ideas around the target areas identified after the last conversation: building of a statewide social studies network/community; publicizing and promoting social studies at the local and state levels; examining how the Common Core State Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies impact teaching and assessment; and strengthening the teaching and learning of social studies at the elementary level. If you’re interested in joining the conversation and have not yet been in touch, let me know and I’ll forward you the login information: kristie.littlefield@maine.gov And, by all means, if you have ideas to share, but are unable to join the conversation, let me know!
NEW! Service-Learning in Maine – A Guide to Implementing Quality Service-Learning: The Maine Commission for Community Service has made this resource available to educators, at all levels, who are interested in utilizing service-learning as a methodology in their classrooms. It includes an overview of the instructional strategy along with a comprehensive planning guide and supporting documents. The guide is available at no cost by contacting Richard Higgins at richard.higgins@maine.gov. An electronic PDF version (2.5MB) may also be requested via e-mail. Requesters must include their full name, title, organization, and mailing address, whether they are requesting printed copies or the electronic file.
Complimentary Electronic Field Trip for Grades 4-8 from Colonial Williamsburg:
The Electronic Field Trip, “The Will of the People,” examines the presidential election of 1800, one of the most bitter in U.S. history, and provides a surprising lesson for a 21st-century student. Thomas Jefferson explains how negative campaigning, partisan politics, and contested elections have been a part of our political system since the earliest days of the republic. Registration now open for September dates, for more details and to register, visit: http://giftnation.history.org/
Free PD from the Library of Congress - TPS:BASICS:
Designed specifically for educational leaders, participants complete independent assignments and five one-hour voice chat discussion sessions. TPS:BASICS is an educate-the-educator course that models inquiry teaching and learning, incorporating primary sources at each stage of the inquiry cycle using classroom-ready model activities and time-tested practices. Working individually and in collaboration with fellow participants, educational leaders complete and develop inquiry-based learning activities to share with their local colleagues. Participants will complete a total of fifteen hours of professional development and will receive a certificate of completion.
Reminder – on behalf of the Maine Humanities Council:
An Engaged Citizenry: Using Primary Sources in Civics and Government
- One-day kickoff: July 2012
- Four webinars: Fall 2012
- Culminating lesson plan project: January 2013
The Library of Congress’ Teaching with Primary Sources Program offers unparalleled online teaching resources, particularly primary sources that illustrate our nation’s development and civic functions. In An Engaged Citizenry: Using Primary Sources in Civics and Government, offered by the Maine Humanities Council, Maine teachers will explore civics through the lens of three topics: the Constitution, relationships with Native Americans, and emancipation. These will be used as “case studies” to understand how to best integrate primary sources—from the Library of Congress and local archives—into the classroom. CEUs and a small stipend available. For more information and to register, visit http://mainehumanities.org/special-programs/engaged-citizenry/index.html.
8th Grade Citizenship Awards; FREE Margaret Chase Smith DVD; Scholarship Opportunity; KONY 2012 Teacher Guide (4/10/12)
On behalf of the Office of the Secretary of State: 8th Grade Citizenship Award Program
The Secretary of State’s Eighth Grade Citizenship Award Program is an annual effort designed to honor Maine students for their civic awareness, scholastic achievements and community service. In 2011, 135 schools recognized an eighth grader for outstanding citizenship qualities.
As you may know, this award seeks to inspire students to become active citizens. Because civic responsibility developed at an early age usually continues throughout a lifetime, we believe it’s important to encourage young people to become engaged in their school and community.
Please consider nominating a student in 2012. This program can be a valuable part of your school’s recognition of exceptional young citizens.
A letter containing an online application login will be mailed to schools next week. Submissions are due by May 23rd, 2012. Please allow two weeks to process your nomination.
For more information visit: http://www.maine.gov/sos/kids/student-programs/8th_citi.html or contact Nicole Ladner at nicole.ladner@maine.gov or 207-626-8400.
On behalf of the Margaret Chase Smith Library: FREE DVD
The Margaret Chase Smith Library is pleased to make available to teachers for classroom use copies of “The Life of Margaret Chase Smith.” This hour-long documentary tells the story of one of the first women in United States history able to make politics a career and the person who became “the voice of American conscience” during the McCarthy Era. Produced by Bar Harbor resident Jeff Dobbs and narrated by former NBC correspondent Jack Perkins, the biography has already aired several times on the Maine Public Broadcasting Network. To obtain a free copy, send name and school mailing address to mcsl@mcslibrary.org. The supply is limited.
On behalf of the College of the Atlantic: Scholarship Opportunity for Maine Educators
This summer, College of the Atlantic (COA) is offering a number of partial scholarships to Maine educators who participate in the college’s graduate-level courses for K-12 teachers. Awards will continue until all available funds have been depleted and the final deadline to apply is April 30, 2012. More information on course offerings can be found online at www.coa.edu/summercourses. To download scholarship eligibility guidelines and an application form, visit http://www.coa.edu/summercoursereginfo.htm.
For more information, or to receive the scholarship application by email, contact Jean Sylvia in COA’s summer programs office: 1-800-597-9500; email summer@coa.edu.
KONY 2012 Teacher Guide Available: Last week, the Outreach Council of the African Studies Association released a KONY2012 Teacher Guide that provides a brief explanation of the origins of the conflict in Uganda. It identifies some specific stereotypes and generalizations that the KONY 2012 video may have created or reinforced about Africa for those students that have viewed the video with little or no contextual knowledge of recent African history. The guide includes suggestions on how to guide students through an analysis of the video and analysis of social media as a political and educational tool. Several links to various resources are also included. If you’re interested, view the PDF here: http://www.bu.edu/africa/files/2012/04/Kony-React-Respond-4-3-12.pdf.
Free Music; AP World History Institute; Lost on a Mountain in Maine (4/3/12)
Free POW/MIA CD & DVD for all Maine middle and high schools: The Maine Legislature recently adopted LD 1640, designating the 3rd Friday of September as Prisoner of War-Missing in Action Recognition Day. Wendell Austin, the owner of Peace & Freedom Music, is providing free copies of his song, “Bring Me Home” for use by schools. The CD offers the song with and without vocals in rock, folk, and country genres. If you’re interested in learning more about the free CD/DVD offer, contact Wendell Austin by email: gosmuswa@midmaine.com or phone: (207) 736-2225.
AP World History Summer Institute: August 12-17, 2012 on the Schoodic Education and Research Center (SERC) campus in Acadia National Park. Scholarships are available. Visit the SERC website for more details: http://www.sercinstitute.org/education/teacher-education-ap-classes.
On behalf of Maine Humanities Council: Lost in a Graphic Novel in Maine: Recreating a Classic Book
Saturday, May 12, 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Maine Discovery Museum, Bangor
A Maine Humanities Council program, presented in partnership with Down East Publishing
Engage your students with classic Maine content using a format they know and love—the graphic novel. Donn Fendler’s Lost on a Mountain in Maine, which vividly describes his nine days alone on Mt. Katahdin, has received a fresh new face in the capable hands of beloved Maine author Lynn Plourde and talented artist Ben Bishop. Lost Trail: Nine Days Alone in the Wilderness reinterprets Fendler’s tale as a graphic novel, which is sure to appeal to a new generation of students. In this half-day program featuring University of Maine professor Richard Judd, Donn Fendler, Lynn Plourde, and Ben Bishop, you’ll:
- Gain an understanding of the history of climbing Mt. Katahdin.
- Hear the original story from Donn Fendler himself.
- Learn about the process of turning a book into a graphic novel.
- Learn how to teach your students to create their own graphic novels.
CEUs will be available.
For more information and to register, visit http://mainehumanities.org/special-programs/lost-trail/.
Financial Literacy Conference; Summer Workshops; Partnership Opportunity (3/27/12)
3rd Annual Fostering Financial Literacy Conference: The Maine Jump$tart Coalition will be hosting a Fostering Financial Literacy in Maine Schools Conference from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Augusta Civic Center on Thursday, April 26 for K-12 teachers. FREE classroom resources will be distributed. To register and for more details, visit: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5iplyjf0333cb71&llr=orrbr6iab.
Summer Workshop: Congress in the Classroom: Congress in the Classroom is designed for high school or middle school teachers who teach U.S. history, government, civics, political science, or social studies. The July 23-26 workshop is dedicated to the exchange of ideas and information on teaching about Congress. Most costs are covered by the Dirksen Congressional Center. There is a competitive enrollment process, limited to 40 teachers, with an online application due no later than April 15, 2012. For more details, visit: http://www.dirksencenter.org/print_programs_overview.htm.
NAIS: Challenge 20/20 Partnership: The National Association of Independent Schools invites schools to participate in Challenge 20/20, a program that brings together one school from the United States and one school from outside of the United States. Teacher-student teams from both schools work together throughout the fall 2012 school semester to come up with a solution to a global problem. Challenge 20/20 is based on Jean Francois Richard's book, High Noon: 20 Global Problems, 20 Years to Solve Them. Eligibility: all U.S. schools, elementary and secondary, public or private. Deadline: August 17, 2012 http://www.nais.org/resourc es/index.cfm?ItemNumber=147262.
On behalf of Maine Department of Marine Resources – Maine Studies: Lighthouses & Lobsters (August 6-8, 2012)
Did you know that many of the earliest lighthouses predate the birth of our nation? And did you know that the history of Maine and our nation stems from the discovery of fish? Well, sign up today for a three-day workshop at the Burnt Island Light Station in Boothbay Harbor to learn about lighthouses, lobsters, fish, and more. This residential workshop is designed to provide teachers with materials, strategies, and experiences that will enhance instruction about Maine through science, history, social studies, and language arts. Participants will experience lobstering with a real lobsterman and they will participate in a living history program that interprets what lighthouse life was like back in 1950.
The syllabus can be found at: http://www.maine.gov/dmr/burntisland/courses/index.htm and please feel free to e-mail Elaine.jones@maine.gov should you have any questions. This year, we are pleased to announce that scholarships are available through an application process. Click on the link to learn more about the Burnt Island Lighthouse and its educational programs.
CCSS; Lessons; Civil Rights Movement; Youth Advisory Council (3/20/12)
What do the Common Core State Standards Mean for History Teaching and Learning?: The National History Education Clearinghouse has shared thoughts and statements from classroom teachers and university professors: http://teachinghistory.org/issues-and-research/roundtable/25348
Reading Like a Historian: The Stanford History Education Group website houses a large number of lessons that feature sets of primary documents and activities designed to engage students in historical inquiry: http://sheg.stanford.edu/?q=node/21
OurStory: The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and the National Center for Family Literacy have created a website that combines history, literature, and hands-on activities. Searchable by subject, time period or activity type, teachers of elementary students may find this a helpful resource (adaptable for higher levels, too): http://www.americanhistory.si.edu/ourstory/about/
Bringing History Home: A collection of curriculum units for K-5 teachers are available for download. Each unit is designed to develop skills and knowledge: http://www.bringinghistoryhome.org/
“Teaching the Movement”: In September 2011, the Southern Poverty Law Center and Teaching Tolerance released a report, Teaching the Movement: The State of Civil Rights Education in the United States. Maine, along with 34 other states, scored an “F” on coverage of Civil Rights. Note that the findings are based on the language of the 2007 Maine Learning Results and do not reflect the curriculum that local school districts across our state have developed and are implementing. In response to the report, Teaching Tolerance has released Teaching the Movement: The State Standards We Deserve, which includes best practices and models for consideration. The guidelines can be read at: http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/publications/teaching-the-movement-the-state-standards-we-deserve.
On behalf of GenerationOn:
GenerationOn, the global youth service movement igniting the power of all kids to make their mark on the world, is now accepting applications for the next Youth Advisory Council.
Do you know a young person between the ages of 13-18 who is passionate about service and would make a great leader? The GenerationOn Youth Advisory Council will offer twelve inspiring youth leaders from middle and high school across the nation the opportunity to participate in a national leadership development program, while acting as ambassadors for GenerationOn and serving as leaders in their own communities. Members will partner with like-minded youth and have the opportunity to take part in a special, expense-paid, kick-off youth leadership training program.
Click here to access more information: http://www.generationon.org/global/big-happenings/youth-advisory-council2012-2014
Click here to access a flyer to share with others: http://www.generationon.org/teens/2012-2014yacflyer
Social Studies Group Follow-up & Historic New England Programs (3/13/12)
Follow-up: Social Studies Community Group Conversation- The first virtual meeting of the Social Studies Community Group went well last week! Based on the December survey results and the group discussion, a few focus areas emerged as we work toward elevating the teaching and learning of social studies across Maine:
- Building of a statewide social studies network/community where teachers can share ideas, ask questions, find resources
- Publicizing and promoting social studies at the local and state levels
- Examining how the Common Core State Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies impact teaching and assessment
- Strengthening the teaching and learning of social studies at the elementary level – providing assistance/resources to teachers that are interested in integrating social studies into their daily teaching
The group will be convening again in a few weeks. If you’re interested in learning more or joining the conversation, be in touch: kristie.littlefield@maine.gov or 624-6828
On behalf of Historic New England: Historic New England School Programs in Wiscasset
Historic New England, the oldest, largest, and most comprehensive preservation organization in the country, is excited to invite you and your students to participate in our newest educational programs, available now at Castle Tucker and the Nickels-Sortwell House in Wiscasset. Historic New England’s school and youth programs have earned national attention for the innovative ways in which they use historical resources to reinforce and enrich student learning.
Programs are fun, multi-disciplinary and suited to a variety of learning styles. Designed in collaboration with local educators, programs align with state curriculum standards and allow young people to learn through multiple approaches, including hands-on activities, role-playing, and cooperative learning. In 2011, our education team served over 40,000 students from 159 communities throughout New England, including piloting versions of our new programs with students in Wiscasset and Edgecomb.
A Tale of Two Houses: Mid-Coast Maine in the 1800s is a history and economics based program aimed primarily at 3rd-7th grade students. The program focuses on the changing economic realities of Wiscasset throughout the nineteenth century: the post-Revolutionary boom, post-Embargo Act decline, and subsequent rise of tourism in the mid-coast region; as well as the architectural legacy of that time. According to one fifth grade student who participated last year, “it’s historic but not in a boring way like reading from a book we actually get to look at the stuff”.
In Search of a Story: the Children of Castle Tucker is a language arts based program geared towards students in grades 5-8. During the program, students become familiar with the five children of the Tucker family through family letters and other primary source documents, as well as the physical spaces of Castle Tucker. While on their field trip, students do pre-writing exercises and, back in the classroom, create a short piece of historical fiction using one of the children as their main character. While writing her story, one 7th grade student said, “Castle Tucker is interesting and I can imagine everything being live with the family”
Both programs are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the spring starting April 24, and in the fall through November 2.
For further information, please contact jaudreygraham@gmail.com or Carolin Collins, Historic New England Education Program Manager at ccollins@historicnewengland.org.
Learn more online about:
Social Studies Community Group Conversation & Upcoming PD (3/6/12)
Reminder: Social Studies Community Group Conversation – As mentioned in previous ListServ posts, the first virtual meeting for a conversation with educators interested in discussing the elevation of teaching and learning of social studies in Maine will be on Thursday, March 8 from 3:30 – 4:30 pm. If you’ve already been in touch, you will be receiving an email on Wednesday with login information. If you’re interested in joining the conversation and have not previously been in touch, please email me directly and I’ll add you to the list: kristie.littlefield@maine.gov. Interested, yet unable to attend this session? No problem. I’ll keep you posted via the ListServ. Looking forward to talking social studies!
3rd Annual Fostering Financial Literacy Conference: The Maine Jump$tart Coalition will be hosting a Fostering Financial Literacy in Maine Schools Conference from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Augusta Civic Center on Thursday, April 26 for K-12 teachers. FREE classroom resources will be distributed. Registration is now open. To register and for more details, visit: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5iplyjf0333cb71&llr=orrbr6iab.
On behalf of the Maine Humanities Council:
An Engaged Citizenry: Using Primary Sources in Civics and Government
- One-day kickoff: July 2012
- Three webinars: Fall 2012
- Culminating lesson plan project: January 2013
The Library of Congress’ Teaching with Primary Sources Program offers unparalleled online teaching resources, particularly primary sources that illustrate our nation’s development and civic functions. In An Engaged Citizenry: Using Primary Sources in Civics and Government, offered by the Maine Humanities Council, Maine teachers will explore civics through the lens of three topics: the Constitution, relationships with Native Americans, and emancipation. These will be used as “case studies” to understand how to best integrate primary sources—from the Library of Congress and local archives—into the classroom. CEUs and a small stipend available. For more information and to register, visit http://mainehumanities.org/special-programs/engaged-citizenry/index.html.
On behalf of the Center for the Study of Early American History:
All the Kingdoms of the Earth: Henry Knox's World in Global, National, and Local Perspective
July 16 - 20, 2012
The Center for the Study of Early American History at The General Henry Knox Museum announces its seventh annual Summer Teacher Institute, open to all teachers of history and social studies.
The program integrates classroom lectures, hands-on projects, public events and field trips. During the 2012 Institute participants will explore Henry Knox's historical milieu, gaining an appreciation for the ways in which local and regional history can illuminate larger historical trends, and learning ways to bring this into their classrooms.
Funding from several generous donors, matching a grant from the Sunshine Lady Foundation, allows us to offer this program free of charge for those interested in CEU's or contact hours, and some free housing is available for students not able to commute. In this course, participants will:
- Increase their subject knowledge of early American history through community resources and stories
- Learn from noted experts and scholars
- Earn up to 40 contact hours OR we anticipate you will be able to register with the University of Maine's Hutchinson Center for college credit (3 credit hours, a U Maine registration fee applies) or Framingham State University (3 credit hours, a FSU registration fee applies)
- Complete a research project that informs their work in the classroom
http://knoxmuseum.org/education.html
Standards Update; News IQ; Wabanaki Course; Financial Capability Challenge (2/28/12)
Common State Standards Update (Note: Maine is a member of the Social Studies Assessment Curriculum and Instruction (SSACI) group currently working on the development of common standards. I will be attending the next meeting scheduled for late May and will update you as more information becomes available.) Statement from SSACI: Twenty one state education agencies are collaborating with fifteen professional organizations in the social studies to develop a set of standards. The groups have a shared framework focused on both disciplinary and interdisciplinary ways of thinking about civics, economics, geography and history. The ultimate goal is to produce a set of fewer, higher, clearer standards that prepare all students for college, career, and citizenship. As states continue their conversations, we will share any additional information and updates.
News IQ Quiz: The Pew Research Center released a report this fall on the results of a national poll that measured “news knowledge” in words and images. The 18-29 age bracket typically scores lower on these types of surveys than the older groups; this survey was no exception. Although, the difference in scores between age groups is much less pronounced in these survey results. To test your own (and/or your students’) News IQ, take the short quiz comprised of questions from the national poll: http://www.people-press.org/2011/11/07/what-the-public-knows-in-words-and-pictures/?src=iq-quiz.
On behalf of the College of the Atlantic – Strengthening Wabanaki Content for the Classroom course offered June 24-30, 2012:
This summer College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine will offer a new course taught by Donald Soctomah, Passamaquoddy Tribal historian, and Raney Bench, Curator of Education for the Abbe Museum. Each instructor will bring their expertise to this course providing content, resources and techniques for interdisciplinary teaching about the history and culture of the Native people of Maine, for teachers of all grade levels. The course will focus on life prior to European contact, the science of archaeology and what it can and cannot tell us about life in Maine; stereotypes surrounding Wabanaki people and Native Americans. Teachers will develop skills in learning how to detect and understand the representation of Native people in media; create a lesson to use in the classroom; learn new techniques and resources for teaching about Native people; and have the chance to learn from Wabanaki artists, scholars, and cultural leaders.
For more information, please visit http://www.coa.edu/summercourses or contact College of the Atlantic at 800-597– 9500, (207) 801-5634, or e-mail SUMMER@COA.EDU .
Click here to download a promotional broadsheet. (PDF)
On behalf of Mary Dyer, Financial Education Specialist – Finance Authority of Maine:
The National Financial Capability Challenge runs from March 12 through April 13, 2012. The Challenge is a free, voluntary, online series of financial questions for high school students to check their knowledge of earning, spending, saving, borrowing, risk protection, and more.
You can sign up for free at challenge.treas.gov to administer the Challenge to your students. As educators, it is critically important to use this opportunity to help prepare our students for financial independence!
- It's quick. It takes only about 30 minutes to administer the Challenge online, but the lessons your students will learn in preparing will last a lifetime.
- It's easy. Comprehensive lesson plans and sample questions are available in the online Educator Toolkit to help you prepare your students for the Challenge.
- It's rewarding. Educators and top-scoring students in each school will earn personalized award certificates and states with the highest participation will also be recognized.
- Any high school educator can do it. Even if you’re not a math or personal finance educator, I encourage you to register so your students can participate.
The website also provides tools you can use to easily spread the word about the Challenge, including:
- Content you can email to other educators,
- A flier with all the details for you to attach to your email or post in the teachers' lounge,
- Content you can submit for publication in your district's newsletter,
- Content you can post on websites, blogs, and other online sites.
Please don’t delay! Register today at challenge.treas.gov. Your students’ financial futures depend on you!
Correction; Free GW portrait; Free Wabanaki Workshop at Abbe Museum (2/5/12)
CORRECTION: PBS will actually be airing, More Than a Month, a film by an African-American filmmaker about his campaign to end Black History Month on Sunday, February 19 at 11:00 p.m. – not the date provided in last week’s ListServ post. I should have “checked local listings”; sorry for any confusion.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon: With Presidents’ Day just around the corner, you may want to visit the Mount Vernon site. You’ll find a wealth of resources including: a virtual tour of Washington’s estate, interactive treasure hunt, and information about face-to-face videoconferencing programs. The Teachers and Students page can be found here: http://www.mountvernon.org/educational-resources/teachers-students FREE portraits of Washington are being offered for display in schools. These aren’t cheezy posters - we’re talking 30”x36” framed replicas of Rembrandt Peale’s Porthole Portrait of George Washington, 1795. For more information visit: http://www.mountvernon.org/support-his-vision/special-programs/portrait-schools
On Behalf of the Abbe Museum:
ABBE MUSEUM 2012 Wabanaki Initiative Teacher Workshop - FREE!
Date: Monday March 26, 2012
Time: 8:30-4:00 (Teachers Will Receive 7 Contact Hours)
Location: Abbe Museum Downtown Bar Harbor
The Abbe Museum will host our annual Teacher Workshop designed to help teachers develop the tools, and understand the resources available to better teach about the Wabanaki of Maine and meet their PEI’s and Wabanaki Initiative requirements.
The 2012 workshop will focus on classroom solutions and integrated teaching in an effort to address concerns about the time and resources required to work with new content, such as Wabanaki Studies. Encouraging teachers to move away from dedicated units about Native people, the workshop will include examples of lessons that can be incorporated into multiple disciplines. Teachers will create their own lesson to use in the classroom, and have the opportunity to receive feedback on the plan from colleagues.
John Bear Mitchell, Penobscot, will host the workshop with Raney Bench, Curator of Education for the Abbe Museum. Mitchell is a lecturer at the University of Maine, Orono, and is the Associate Director of the Wabanaki Studies Center. Prior to his work at the University, Mitchell was an elementary school teacher on Indian Island, and earned his Bachelors degree in Elementary Education and a Masters of Educational Leadership at the University of Maine. Mitchell will provide sample lesson plans for teachers based on his work teaching integrated lessons.
Raney Bench has her BA in Native American Studies, and a Masters in Museum Studies; she has been working with the Wabanaki and informal education for over five years, training teachers throughout Maine to incorporate Wabanaki content into all Maine classrooms. Bench will focus on working with stereotypes of Native people, and how to address these in the classroom at all grade levels.
Limited space is available and reservations are required. For more information, or to reserve a space, contact: Raney Bench at 288-3519 ex. 16 or e-mail to educator@abbemuseum.org.
Strategic Plan; Upcoming PD; Black History Month (1/31/12)
Education Evolving: Maine’s Plan for Putting Learners First: Commissioner Bowen released a first draft of the strategic plan, “Education Evolving…” a couple of weeks ago. The plan centers on five core priority areas: Effective, Learner-Centered Instruction; Great Teachers and Leaders; Multiple Pathways for Learner Achievement; Comprehensive School and Community Support; Coordinated and Effective State Support. The current draft of the plan reflects the feedback Commissioner Bowen received during his listening tour in 2011. MDOE is welcoming feedback on the draft. If you’re interested in reading it and/or joining the online discussion, you can find details here: www.maine.gov/education/plan.
Save the Date – Financial Literacy Conference: The Maine Jump$tart Coalition will be hosting a Fostering Financial Literacy in Maine Schools Conference on Thursday, April 26, 2012 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Augusta Civic Center. FREE classroom resources will be distributed. To request conference updates, send an email to: alyson.b.cummings@maine.gov.
Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Summer Teacher Institute: Applications are now available for the five day institutes. There is no registration fee. Participants are responsible for travel costs to Washington, D.C., lodging, and food. For more details, visit the LOC site: http://blogs.loc.gov/teachers/2012/01/library-of-congress-teaching-with-primary-sources-summer-teacher-institute-applications-now-available/ The application deadline is February 17, 2012.
A few resources to consider for Black History Month:
Primary Source: Primary Source has put together an online guide that provides a fact for each day of Black History Month. Each fact is presented with additional links and resources for exploration. There are a wide range of topics, including: Ralph Ellison; Fugitive Slave Acts of 1793 and 1850; Michael Jordan; Hattie McDaniel; Liberia and the American Colonization Society – just to name a few. You can find the guide here: http://resources.primarysource.org/content.php?pid=184419&sid=1549792
More Than a Month: In 2010, Shukree Hassan Tilghman, an African-American filmmaker, set on a road trip to across the country on a campaign to end Black History Month. Tilghman explores Black History Month through the lenses of education, history, identity and commercialism and argues that black history should not be separate from American history. The film, though, goes beyond Black History Month and explores what it means to be an American and Tilghman’s own journey towards self discovery. PBS’s Independent Lens will be broadcasting More Than a Month on February 16 at 10 p.m. Visit http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/more-than-a-month/film.html to view a trailer and clips.
African American History Month Site: The Library of Congress, National Archives, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian, and US Holocaust Memorial Museum have joined forces to present a treasure trove of resources and information: http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/ In the “For Teachers” section you’ll find a bunch of lesson plans, collection guides, and activities from each organization – all available from one site.
Summer PD Opportunities & Social Studies Honor Society (1/24/12)
Global Exploration for Educators Organization (GEEO) Summer Professional Development Travel Programs: GEEO is a non-profit organization that specializes in trips for educators. These are not luxury trips. Their site provides itineraries and costs for the 17 travel programs that are being offered this summer to such destinations as: Morocco, Viet Nam, China, and Costa Rica. Educators are permitted to bring along a non-educator guest. For more, visit: http://www.geeo.org/.
Gilder Lehrman 2012 Summer Seminars: Gilder Lehrman is offering over 40 week-long programs this summer – everything from Native America History; Jim Crow and the Fight for American Citizenship; Economic and Financial Crises in American History; to 9/11 and America Memory. Books, room and board, and a $400 travel allowance are included. For a complete list and additional details visit: http://www.gilderlehrman.org/education/seminar_overview.php. Application deadline is February 15, 2012.
From National Council for the Social Studies - Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society for High School Juniors & Seniors: Rho Kappa was launched at the 91st NCSS Annual Conference in 2011. Any accredited public or private high school can apply for a local chapter, through which individuals will be inducted into Rho Kappa Honor Society. Rho Kappa provides national recognition and opportunities for exploration in the social studies. Through Rho Kappa, NCSS hopes to encourage an interest in, understanding of, and appreciation for the social studies. For more details: http://rhokappa.socialstudies.org/rhokappa/Home/?CLK=a11c92da-a3c0-405f-9f34-847159f28757.
Civics on the National Scene & Here at Home (1/17/12)
On the National Scene: U.S. Department of Education: Civic Learning and Engagement
The U.S. DOE released a report last week from the National Task Force on Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement entitled, A Crucible Moment: College Learning and Democracy’s Future. While the report focuses on higher education, it points out the need to “capitalize upon the interdependent responsibilities of K-12 and higher education.”
U.S. DOE also released a document entitled, Advancing Civic Learning and Engagement in Democracy: A Road Map and Call to Action, which advances the idea that a renewed focus on civic education should be an integral part of a well-rounded education. It asserts, “Every student in every school, college, and university deserves a high-quality education, including a high-quality civic education. Preparing all students—regardless of background or identity—for informed, engaged participation in civic and democratic life is not only essential, but also consistent with the aims of increasing student achievement and closing achievement gaps.”
In October, 2011, the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools released a report, Guardian of Democracy: The Civic Mission of Schools, which includes several recommendations for various stakeholders (10 for local schools and administrators). It also promotes six proven practices in civic learning: Classroom Instruction; Discussion of Current Events and Controversial Issues; Service-Learning; Extracurricular Activities; Student Participation in School Governance; Simulation of Democratic Processes.
Perhaps these reports, coupled with a renewed interest at the national level on a well-rounded education, will help to elevate the teaching and learning of social studies? Stay tuned.
Visit the U.S. DOE page for links to all of these reports: http://www.ed.gov/civic-learning
Here at Home: Clarification of SAU Responsibility to Teach Civics
Below is the text of Administrative Letter #72 that was posted in December, 2011, in the Maine DOE Newsroom:
The purpose of this letter is to clarify the requirements of LD 1211 (Public Law Chapter 294), An Act to Include Civics in the Social Studies and History Courses Required for a High School Diploma, passed by the Legislature this past session.
As a result of the legislation, Title 20-A MRSA §4722, sub-§2, ¶B was amended to require the teaching of civics as part of the required course of study for social studies and history before graduation from high school. The law does not require that civics be taught as a separate course in high school. However, it does require that civics be included in the required course of study for social studies and history for all students at the secondary level. Each school administrative unit can make its own decision of whether to teach civics in a separate course or integrate it into other social studies and history courses.
Please note: The Maine Learning Results: Parameters for Essential Instruction call for instruction of civics and government at all grade spans.
Posted January 10, 2012 (1/10/12)
NEW! Social Studies Community Group
In last week’s ListServ post, I asked those of you that were interested in brainstorming or sharing ideas on how to get social studies back on the front burner to be in touch. Thanks to those of you that have already expressed interest!
If you haven’t yet contacted me, but are interested in joining this group, contact me directly at kristie.littlefield@maine.gov and/or phone: 624-6828. I will be in touch with group members next week with more details.
National Endowment for the Humanities – Summer Programs
NEH offers a variety of professional development opportunities for K-12 teachers through their Landmarks of American History and Culture workshops and Summer Seminars and Institutes for School Teachers. Stipends are provided to help cover costs. For a complete list of the 2012 summer programs, visit: http://www.neh.gov/projects/summer12.html.
The application deadline is March 1, 2012.
Maine International Center for Digital Learning
A professional learning opportunity for middle level teachers - join a collaborative project focused on best practices for supporting students with internet research. For more information, check out the flier.
Maine Council for the Social Studies Jan./Feb. Newsletter
Here’s a link to the latest MCSS Newsletter (PDF | MS Word) that is FULL of information regarding upcoming conferences, grant opportunities, student competitions, and teaching resources. If you have not already signed up for the MCSS newsletter and would like to, send an email request to: mainesocialstudies@gmail.com
Survey Results & National Standards in Social Studies (1/2/12)
Survey Says…
A few things leaped off the pages of the Social Studies Teacher Survey results. Many of the 500+ participants reported feeling that our content area has been relegated to the sidelines when compared to ongoing English Language Arts and STEM initiatives. Many of you cited the lack of any formal statewide social studies assessment and NCLB as part of the reason why social studies finds itself on the back burner. A common concern reported by social studies teachers is a feeling of marginalization. Thank you, again, for taking the time to complete the survey and please know that your thoughts and concerns have been heard. Adding your many voices to mine will help tremendously as we continue to advocate for social studies education.
When asked what challenges you encounter when teaching social studies, the #1 response (with 79.2%) was “not enough time to cover material and/or curriculum”. That challenge was followed by 42.8% of you indicating “availability of resources” as a difficulty. Many respondents wrote additional comments that further explained some of the challenges social studies teachers in Maine are facing: several reported a decline in the number of required social studies credits at the high school level; students pulled out of your classes for more instructional time in ELA and/or math; and the desire for a more defined curriculum.
“Classroom Resources” and information about “Professional Development Opportunities” were selected as the top two items you would like to find on the MDOE website. A large number also expressed interest in sharing and gathering information from other social studies teachers across Maine.
Now, where do we go from here? To start, I think it is important for us all to recognize that, as challenging as these educational times are and have been for social studies, our passion for the content area has not diminished. In fact, I’d argue that there has never been a more critical time for the teaching and learning of social studies – not only in Maine, but across the country. As many of you pointed out, social studies is essential in developing well-rounded, informed, critical-thinking students that are prepared for college, career, and civic life.
So, how do we begin to address the need and desire for elevating our content area? I don’t have a silver bullet solution, yet do have some ideas on how we might begin to work towards overcoming the challenges faced by social studies teachers. The survey results drive home how essential it is that we, as a social studies community, come together. I would like to invite those of you that are interested in brainstorming or sharing ideas on how to get social studies back on the front burner, to contact me directly at: kristie.littlefield@maine.gov and/or phone: 624-6828.
In the short term, I will continue to utilize this ListServ as a way to communicate with you about resources, professional development opportunities, and other social studies news. Please continue to be in touch with thoughts, resources, and ideas.
National Standards in Social Studies
Maine is a member of the Social Studies Assessment, Curriculum, and Instruction (SSACI) Collaborative of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Work is underway on a shared set of national standards. A draft of the standards is currently scheduled to be released for public review by summer. I will be attending the next SSACI meeting scheduled for early February and will update you as more information becomes available.
Posted December 20, 2011 (12/20/11)
THANK YOU!
My sincere thanks go out to the 500+ of you that completed the Social Studies Survey. I look forward to reading each response over the next couple of weeks and will share the general results with you soon. If you didn’t have a chance to respond to the survey, please email me directly (kristie.littlefield@maine.gov) and I’ll share the questions with you so you can add your 2 cents!
National Geographic Education
National Geographic has recently launched a new site, Nat Geo Education (Beta). They are working to beef up their available teaching resources and you may want to take a look. MapMaker Interactive provides tools for creating customized maps and there are a variety of downloadable maps available as well. I think you’ll find it worth playing around with. Beyond maps, they are working to upload “Collections” which compile National Geographic content and various resources about a particular topic. Under the “Teaching Resources” tab you’ll also find a rather extensive collection of graphic organizers. The folks at National Geographic will continue to be adding resources – this will probably be a good site to bookmark and check often.
Nat Geo Education: http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/?ar_a=1
Still a few slots open for the Maine Content Literacy Project’s Content Literacy Network
Join the online professional learning network focused on literacy in social studies. This opportunity is open to a limited number of grades 4-12 educators. There is no cost. The group will conduct four virtual meetings, from January – April, 2012 where participants will explore how to utilize literacy strategies to increase student understanding in social studies.
More details and an application form are available online at: http://www.maine.gov/education/lres/ss/documents/content-network-social-studies-flyer.pdf.
C-SPAN StudentCam
C-SPAN's StudentCam is an annual national video documentary competition that encourages students to think seriously about issues that affect our communities and our nation. Students are asked to create a short (5-8 minute) video documentary on a topic related to the competition theme "The Constitution and You." Documentary may focus on any section of the Preamble, Articles, or Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.
Maximum award: $5,000, plus $1,000 in digital equipment for school. Eligibility: individuals or teams of two to three students grades 6-8 or grades 9- 12.
WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL VACATION!
Important Survey (11/22/11)
Be Heard! Please take a few minutes and participate in a short online survey about the teaching of social studies in Maine. Your opinion counts! The results of this survey will help determine future professional development opportunities. Please pass this along to all of your social studies colleagues. Your knowledge, time, and efforts are much appreciated!
2011 Social Studies Teachers Survey link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/socialstudies2011.
Stay Connected! (10/6/11)
I encourage you to subscribe to the Commissioner’s Updates and the newsletter distributed by the Maine Council for the Social Studies. See information below.
MDOE Commissioner’s Update
To streamline the many communications from the Maine Department of Education, the Department has developed a weekly Commissioner’s Update that includes official correspondence, press releases, reporting requirements, news and information designed for superintendents, business managers, administrators and teachers, and available by subscription to anyone.
Some examples from recent weeks include: news from the field on standards-based classrooms, the Commissioner’s thoughts and information on NCLB flexibility, professional development opportunities and much more. (Please note the Commissioner’s Update takes the place of the Administrative Letters and Informational Letters of past practice. This is the only way to receive updates on requirements, policy changes, and forms and other reporting requirements that are due.) Subscribe to the Commissioner’s Update
Maine Council for the Social Studies Newsletter
To subscribe to the Maine Council for the Social Studies (MCSS) newsletter, send an email request to: mainesocialstudies@gmail.com and type "subscribe" in the subject line. The newsletter provides timely information about professional development opportunities, events, programs, and teaching resources from a variety of organizations.
Fall Conferences (9/20/11)
A few upcoming conferences for your consideration! See below for information regarding the Penobscot Nation’s “Teach the Teachers” workshops, the Maine Council for the Social Studies conference, “Think Globally, Teach Locally: Methods and Strategies to Make Your Teaching More Effective” and the Blaine House Conference on Volunteerism and Service (includes sessions on service-learning).
Penobscot Nation Hosts Fifth Annual “Teach the Teachers” Workshops
Maine K-12 educators and pre-service educators have a special opportunity to learn about Maine Indians. The 5th Annual “Teach the Teachers” series is being hosted by the Penobscot Nation’s Cultural & Historic Preservation Department on four select days in October on Indian Island.
- Monday October 3rd
- Tuesday October 11th
- Wednesday October 19th
- Thursday October 27th
The workshops are designed to assist Maine educators with incorporating Maine Indian history and culture into their classrooms, to identify historically accurate and culturally appropriate classroom resources, and to help foster a continuing relationship between Maine educators and the Penobscot Cultural and Historic Preservation Department. This year we will be looking at subject matter on all grade levels including a presentation on Tribal Sovereignty by Dr. Darren Ranco.
Since 2005, Maine educators K-12 have been required by Maine law to include Maine Indian history and culture in their classrooms. The Maine Indian History and Culture Law, commonly referred to by its 2002 legislative document number, LD291, was presented as a bill to the 122nd legislature by former Penobscot tribal representative, Donna Loring who recognized a need for Mainers to become better educated about the indigenous people of the state. Loring states that “with knowledge, comes understanding, and with understanding, comes respect.”
The Penobscot Nation Cultural and Historic Preservation Department has been at the forefront since the bill’s inception, providing educational resources, curriculum, classroom presentations, and teacher professional development workshops. The workshop fee is $35.00 per person and includes lunch and a copy of the DVD “Penobscot: A People and Their River”. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Visit www.penobscotculture.com to register. For more information, call 817-7472.
Maine Council for the Social Studies Conference
Registration is now open for the 2011 Maine Council for the Social Studies Conference: Think Globally, Teach Locally: Methods and Strategies to Make Your Teaching More Effective
To accommodate teachers from southern and northern Maine, the conference will be held in two locations on different dates.
- Friday, November 4th at USM, Wishcamper Center, Portland
- Monday, November 7th at Morgan Hill Event Center, Hermon
The conference fee is $50 ($25 for pre-service teachers). Six contact hours will be awarded. Due to space limitations, attendance will be capped at 100 for Portland and 125 for Hermon.
Here are the conference breakout session titles and intended grade levels:
- Using Maine Memory with a Focus on Elementary-age Students (K-5)
- The Virtual Field Trip: Making Use of Historic Resources Beyond the Classroom (K-12)
- Using Biography in the K-12 Classroom (K-12)
- It’s Not about Time: Teaching Social Studies as Current Events - and Vice Versa (3-12)
- Sharing History Outside the Classroom: How to Get Started with a Community History Project 3-12)
- Reexamining Primary Sources (7-12)
- A Story is Told in a Hundred Different Ways (7-12)
- Habits of Mind: Teaching Social Studies Methods by Participating in National History Day (7-12)
To access the conference session descriptions and on-line registration form, please go to www.memun.org/mcss and click on the respective links.
For payment purposes, please note that the MCSS address has changed to: P.O. Box 2211, South Portland, ME 04116.
Please e-mail mainesocialstudies@gmail.com with any questions.
Blaine House Conference on Volunteerism & Service
This October's Blaine House Conference on Volunteerism & Service in Orono will feature a number of national presenters offering sessions on service-learning for teachers and staff.
Susan Abravanel from Youth Service America (YSA) will present two sessions on service-learning: one on Semester of Service which is akin to independent study at the high school level and the other on meeting community needs through service-learning.
GenerationOn's Shammara Wright will present a workshop on combating childhood obesity through service-learning. Her colleague, Laura Rog, will focus on service-learning in After-School programs. In total, there will be six workshops to pick from for Service-learning practitioners and community programs interested in partnering with schools.
Click here for agenda information and to register today! The conference is Tuesday, October 11 at University of Maine in Orono.
Discounts are available for service-learning practitioners. For more information, email service.commission@maine.gov or call (207)624-6231.
Week of Heroes and Constitution Day (9/2/11)
Maine Week of Heroes Observance
A reminder that Maine Week of Heroes will be observed from Sunday, September 11, through Saturday, September 17, 2011. This is an excellent opportunity to highlight the heroic people that live and work in our communities and to emphasize the importance of being active and engaged citizens.
Title 1 §146 Maine Week of Heroes reads:
“Each political subdivision and school administrative unit is encouraged to observe a Maine Week of Heroes during the week, commencing on a Sunday and ending on the next following Saturday, within which September 11th occurs. The observance may include public proclamations, appropriate ceremonies and the introduction of curricula in school systems recognizing the efforts of heroic people in Maine communities, such as active duty military personnel, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, law enforcement officers, members of the National Guard, members of the United States Coast Guard, United States military veterans and all other heroes who have given their courageous service without regard for their own lives or personal safety to benefit the people of this great land and to serve the needs of the citizens of the State.”
Constitution Day Resources
September 17th is Constitution Day, established by Congress in 2004 to recognize the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. By law, all educational institutions receiving federal funding must observe Constitution Day. Some resources that should help in your planning:
National Constitution Center: http://constitutioncenter.org/ncc_progs_Constitution_Day.aspx
The National Constitution Center is offering a free webcast all day on Friday, September 16, Constitution Hall Pass: Freedom of Expression. Plenty of other resources too, including a “To Sign or Not to Sign” lesson plan and Bill of Rights game.
Bill of Rights Institute: http://www.billofrightsinstitute.org/page.aspx?pid=593
The Bill of Rights Institute offers several interactive experiences such as the “Constitution Duel” quiz and a bunch of lesson plans, including “Bill of Rights in the News.”
National Archives: http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/constitution-day/
Great list of activities and lesson plans from the National Archives ranging from a one class period activity designed to simulate how the Constitutional Convention delegates grappled with their task to an online version of their U.S. Constitution Workshop which includes analysis of primary source documents.
iCivics: http://www.icivics.org/teachers
Several engaging lesson plans, web quests, and games; the site was initiated by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and targets grades 6-8.
Center for Civic Education: http://new.civiced.org/resources/curriculum/constitution-day-and-citizenship-day
Includes lessons for all grade levels, K-12
A few children’s books to consider:
We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States by David Catrow, 2002: Dial Books
Shh! We're Writing the Constitutionby Jean Fritz, Tomie dePaola , 1998: Putnam Publishing Group
If You Were There When They Signed the Constitution by Elizabeth Levy, Joan Holub, 1992: Scholastic
September 11 Resources (8/25/11)
We are approaching the 10th anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001. A quick web search will provide a staggering number of resources. Below are a few that you may find useful:
September 11: Teaching Contemporary History: ttp://smithsonianconference.org/september11/
Recordings from an online conference held in early August regarding available resources and strategies for teaching; hosted by the National Museum of American History, National September 11 Memorial & Museum, Pentagon Memorial Fund, and Flight 93 National Memorial.
The September 11 Digital Archive: http://911digitalarchive.org/index.php
A rich resource of digital primary sources and a handy guide to other September 11 websites.
Elizabeth Schaefer on the Impact of 9/11 in the Classroom: http://teachinghistory.org/nhec-blog/24274
An interesting approach in utilizing September 11 as a lens to introduce students to the study of history.
US Dept. of Education:
ttp://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/History_American/September11.shtml
Information about September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Introduction (8/25/11)
Greetings! I would like to introduce myself…my name is Kristie Littlefield and I am happy to report that I am the new Social Studies Specialist at the MDOE. New as in this is my first week. I have spent the last 3 years traveling the state working with teachers and communities on the Maine Community Heritage Project and prior to that spent a dozen years in the trenches teaching both middle and high school social studies.
One of my many goals over the next few months is to continue to use this ListServ to convey relative and helpful information. Peter Bernard and I will also be working to beef up the current MDOE Social Studies website. I would love to hear and learn from you! If you have any ideas to share, suggestions to make, or questions to ask, please be in touch. I’m here to help.
You can reach me directly via email: Kristie.littlefield@maine.gov or via phone: (207) 624-6828.
Wishing you a smooth start to the school year! -
Kristie
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