K-5 Social Studies Education

Andrew KraftWinston-Salem / Forsyth County

Schools

Why do you want to go into teaching?

• Love kids• Make a difference• Great role models

• Long hours• Low pay• Difficult students /

coworkers

40 to 50 percent of new teachers leave within their first five years on the job.http://www.npr.org/blogs/ed/2014/07/18/332343240/the-teacher-dropout-crisis

Summary

• Curriculum – K-5 Social Studies essential standards

• Instruction – Student centered pedagogy– Inquiry Based– Civic Action

• Assessment– Growth – vs. - Proficiency– Authentic Performance tasks

Continuous Improvement

What do we teach?

How do we teach?

Assessment

Analyze results

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

Quality Social Studies Instruction

FactsConceptsInquiryCivic Action

• Curriculum (What)– K-5 Social Studies essential standards

• Instruction (How)– Student centered pedagogy– Inquiry Based– Civic Action

• Assessment – Growth – vs. - Proficiency– Authentic Performance tasks

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.”

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

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.

How do we teach K-5 Social Studies?

• Priorities• Pacing • Integration with ELA, Math, Science

– http://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/Page/25301– http://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/Page/75638– http://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/Page/47697

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

How do we teach K-5 Social Studies?

• 3 step lesson plan– Beginning– Middle– End

• Inquiry based projects– Compelling question– Supporting questions– Summative assessment

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

How do we teach K-5 Social Studies?

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5ELUitPYrA&list=UURbkvPkw1tI5EWWzW76xePg

• Kristine Brixius – Sedge Garden Elem – Kindergarten

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwwFXTV4be4&feature=em-share_video_user

• Paige Sipe – Brunson Elem – 5th grade

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

How do we teach K-5 Social Studies?

• Inquiry Based Learning–Compelling Question

•Supporting Question 1•Supporting Question 2•Supporting Question 3*Summative Assessment

How do we teach K-5 Social Studies?

• · 5. H.1.1 Evaluate the relationshipsbetween 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?

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?

Assessment in K-5 Social Studies?

• What does the state assess?

WSFCS Research and Evauation with materials from SAS, NCDPI

Assessment in K-5 Social Studies

Assessment in K-5 Social Studies

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

Assessment in K-5 Social Studies?

• Civic Action– http://commonweal.blogspot.com/

Your classroom

• What will you include in your K-5 Social Studies instruction?– Daily– Monthly– Yearly