At the recent St. Louis NCSS National Conference, the major initiative of the conference was the unveiling of and enthusiasm for the new College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards: State Guidance for Enhancing the Rigor of K-12 Civics, Economics, Geography, and History This initiative is the result of exhaustive […]
Stirring the Pot: Women in Early Massachusetts
Dear Social Studies Teacher, I am working with The Partnership of the Historic Bostons on their 2012 Charter Day Program: “Stirring the Pot: Women in Early Massachusetts.” We have some great programming on tap, including a student-friendly event on Thursday, September 20th, which features role-players from the Plimoth Plantation acting in character as some of the […]
DESE Plans Model Curriculum Unit Development
I attended a meeting at the DESE office yesterday (June 21, 2012) and came away with mixed feelings. First, there were very few constituencies represented that were comprised of classroom educators. The likes of the Tsongas Museum, New England Aquarium, and Primary Source were represented and they all certainly mean well, but none are actual […]
Continuing a “Dialogue’ with the DESE
In early May I wrote a letter to Commissioner Chester about the state of SS in Massachusetts, and he responded on May 21, directing me to communicate with Julia Phelps and Susan Wheltle at the DESE from that time forward. I then sent Ms. Phelps and Ms. Wheltle the following letter, but have received no […]