The Social Studies Leadership Team (K-12) reconvened for the first of several meetings this year. The focus of this gathering was to prepare for the upcoming Tri-States visit to review the district’s social studies program which will take place at the end of March, 2019.Dr. Culot shared information from the visit he co-led last spring to the Princeton Public School District to review their social studies curriculum. A discussion ensued about how we want to shape the visit here in South Orangetown and more specifically what we want to gather feedback on. The essential questions the team created are:
- How do we promote the analysis and evaluation of literature and historical study so that students can independently and collaboratively interpret and engage in ethical decision-making around the evolving social, cultural, and political issues of our time?
- How do we connect past and present using current events and other springboards for discussions and explorations?
- How do we use community/classroom connections to enhance/enrich curriculum?
- How do we incorporate cultural diversity and make connections in our curriculum to current issues that help develop critical thinking global citizens?
After reexamining the essential questions and Tri-state indicators, we began collecting and organizing evidence for the visit. We had conversations about they types of evidence that could fit under multiple indicators (i.e. performance assessment, curriculum, metagcognition…).
Finally, a brief overview and video about Facing History and Ourselves was shared with the group. South Orangetown has entered into a partnership with Facing History to provide teachers with professional development which strives to “engage students of diverse backgrounds in an examination of racism, prejudice, and antisemitism. The program aims to promote the development of a more humane and informed citizenry.” In addition to their online and print resources, there will be professional development opportunities in NYC, and a consultant who will work directly with us in district. We’re looking forward to this continuous work!
Written by:
Mark Stanford, Secondary Literacy Coach
