Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Social Studies

Learning With Our Inner-Gamer: Using Board Games in the Social Studies Classroom

The idea of using games in the classroom has been a popular practice for teachers across varying disciplines for years. Board games have offered meaningful ways for teachers to easily captive students in learning experiences; scenario based games have offered teachers means to encourage students to think more deeply about topics; card games have offered […]

Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Social Studies

A More Perfect Union: Our Students Will Continue The Quest

This month marks 150 years since Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.  This year marks 50 years since Dr. Martin Luther King gave his great “I Have a Dream” speech on the Mall in Washington, D.C. that spurred the Civil Rights Movement forward.   And this week marks the second inauguration of President Barack Obama as […]

Posted inCurrent Events in Education, From the Front Lines, High School, Social Studies

Our School Isn't ON with Service Learning on the Observance of Dr. King's Birthday

Inauguration Day falls on the legal public holiday for the birthday of Martin Luther King January 21, 2013. Whether this was coincidence or a conspiratorial plot,it is the second time that this holiday has coincided with a presidential inauguration.  Do you remember President Bill Clinton’s inauguration  in 1997? The observance of Dr. King’s birthday has been […]

Posted inElementary School, Instruction & Curriculum, Kindergarten, Opinion, Social Studies, Uncategorized

In Defense of Affirmative Action: The Difference Between Opportunity & Results

This year begins with a very significant anniversary in the United States.  One hundred fifty years ago, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.  It was probably one of the most significant documents ever entered into our Congressional Record based on the change it incited.  As we return to school this new year after a […]

Posted inCurrent Events in Education, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, School Improvement, Social Studies

Civic Education: A Forgotten Subject in the World of High Stakes Testing

In this installment of the Civic Education Series, we look at the impact of standardized testing on social studies and civics curriculum. How Did We Get Here? (or, “Yay, History!”) The first half of the 20th century saw several major education “reform” efforts.  The federal government inserted itself several times with major legislation, including Eisenhower’s […]

Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Social Studies

Freedom on the Edge: Civic Education's Role in Preserving Democracy

This article starts a series of columns that will examine the importance of Civic Education for American students and a variety of ideas on how to teach Civics, even outside the Social Studies classroom.   The General Election two weeks ago once again reminded Americans both of the thrill of democratic participation, and the frustration […]