Assessment in the social studies classroom

• Common assessment (unit tests, semester exams – summative testing)
• Formative assessment (Assessment for Learning – checking daily for understanding)

    [The effect of assessment for learning (formative assessment) on student achievement is from 4-5  times greater than the effect of reduced class-size ( Ehrenberg, Brewer, Gamoran, and Willms, 2001) While all students show achievement gains with formative assessment, the largest gains accrue to the lowest achievers. (Stiggens, 2006)]

Argumentative Literacy

• Pre, During, and Post Reading Strategies (Buehl’s Interactive Reading Strategies)
• Argumentative Discussion (Socratic Dialog, Socratic circles, Debate formats, rotating 2X2’s, etc.)
• Writing – Expository essay format (Thesis, Org. Parts, Specific Details-elaboration) Reflective Writing – journals

AP – Vertical Teaming

• Build rigorous curricula in Edge and AAP courses –strengthen curriculum and increase the academic challenge for all students.
• Promote access to AP for all students
• Introduce skills, concepts, and assessment methods to prepare students for success when they take AP in the HS
• Teach students how to analysis and interpret primary sources in EDGE and AAP classes through the acronym APPARTS ( author, Place & time, Prior knowledge, Audience, Reason , The Main Idea, and Significance.
• Teach students techniques on how to synthesize information by acquiring categorization, generalization and evaluation skills.
• Prepare students for AP assessments.

Evaluate the Alternative Social Studies Program at Grades 10 and 11. (HS Goal only)

• Determine whether or not Alt 10 and 11 should continue. Consider a differentiated model, which integrates slow learners and special education students into the regular classroom.
• Review and make changes to the identification process used in Alt 10 –11 if program is continued.
• Consider ways to reduce the number of class sections in Alt 10 and 11.
• Examine curriculum in Alt 10/11 and make recommendations for possible change.

• Promote hands on authentic tasks in all social studies classrooms
• Promote Rome Days, History Day, Oral History, Archeological Digs, Psychology experiments, 2008 election, Service-Learning, etc.

Technology in the social studies classroom.

• Use technology to make social studies more interactive and engaging for students.
• Teachers may use the following: Smart boards, LCD projectors, ELMOS, laptops, Computer-assisted Instruction ( remote clickers), etc.
• Strategies utilizing technology include: blogging, pod-casting, , wikis, interactive gaming, United Video Streaming, webquests, etc.
• Use of technology for formative assessment, e.g., moddle, clicker system, department powerpoint, etc.