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Check out Melissa's blog as she is in Rwanda this summer globalforward.blogspot.com


Professional Development for K–12 Educators
in Southwestern Colorado

Funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities
Stipends Provided to Cover Expenses, Including Travel
Hosted by the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center • Cortez, Colorado

Surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the American Southwest,
learn how archaeology can help unlock the doors to the past and expose
your students to an intellectually stimulating field of investigation.

Peoples of the Mesa Verde Region:
Connecting the Past with the Present Through Humanities Research
Three-Week NEH Summer Institute
June 27–July 17, 2010
Limit: 25 educators

Seeking the Center Place:
The Mesa Verde Cultural Landscape and Pueblo Indian Homeland
One-Week NEH Landmarks of American History and Culture Workshop
August 1–7 or August 8–14, 2010
Limit: 40 educators per workshop
___________

For more information, go to NEHsummer2010,
call 800.422.8975, ext. 146, or e-mail us.

Application deadline is March 2, 2010 (postmark).
Prospective applicants can access information about
all 2010 NEH Landmark workshops and Summer Institutes, as well
as the online Participant Application Cover Sheet on the NEH Web site.

Free Multimedia Materials Explore Globalism

As the world grows ever more complex and interdependent, preparing students to be responsible global citizens becomes increasingly more challenging. Our World Economics is a free multimedia set of lesson plans that helps middle- and high-school classes explore questions raised by globalism: Where do the products and services we buy come from? What mechanisms lead to 600 million children living in poverty? Can we protect the rainforests while promoting economic development?

An international team of educators including Governor German Velasco of Bolivia, Monica Villavicencio of NPR, and Dr. Lynn Wagner of the International Institute of Sustainable Development have developed a multimedia set of lesson plans and activities – produced in Bolivia – to prepare American students to become informed world citizens. Please visit www.OurWorldEconomics.com to learn more about our talented team of educators, and to download lesson plans, activities, videos and games.


The Bill of Rights Institute Announces Founders Fellowship Program for New Teachers from Across the Country

Arlington, VA – The Bill of Rights Institute has announced the launch of the Founders Fellowship Program. This new program is open to 20 early-career American History and Civics teachers. Selected Fellows will participate in a year-long educational program to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the American Founding.

The Founders Fellows will convene in Washington, D.C. on July 6, 2010 for an all- expenses paid multi-day educational program. During the program, Founders Fellows will participate in lectures, discussions, and scholar-led visits to historic sites including Mount Vernon, the National Archives, Gunston Hall, Monticello, and Montpelier.

In order to prepare for the program, Fellows will complete readings about our Founding. Among the questions they will explore will be: How did the Founders define liberty?, Why did the Founders create a republic and not a democracy?, and Who was the greatest Founder? Upon completion of the Washington program, each Fellow will submit a lesson plan drawing upon the readings, discussions, and topics from the program. The Fellowship will continue during the following academic year, when Fellows will reconvene online for periodic discussions about reading and pedagogical issues.

The Founders Fellowship Program will select promising social studies teachers, grades 7-12, who have been teaching for five years or fewer. Early career teachers from all around the country are encouraged to apply. Twenty top teachers, representing 20 states will be selected to participate.

Fellows will be selected based upon their knowledge of the Founding era, their talent in the classroom, and dedication to educating their students.

Application requirements include the application form, a letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the program, a brief resume, and a letter of recommendation. The application form can be found at http://my.billofrightsinstitute.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=371

All application materials must be submitted by 5:00 PM EST on March 24, 2010.

The Founders Fellowship Program was made possible by a generous grant from Drs. Jack and Pina Templeton.

# # #
The Bill of Rights Institute, founded in 1999, is a nonprofit educational organization. The mission of the Bill of Rights Institute is to educate young people about the words and ideas of America's Founders, the liberties guaranteed in our Founding documents, and how our Founding principles continue to affect and shape a free society.



> ty, have founded a non-profit organization called, www.wehelpwarvictims.org  where he has posted some amazing photos and insightful stories about his experiences in Laos that teachers might want to explore and discuss with their students. 

If you approve of Jim’s efforts and would like to support them as an individual, or, perhaps, as a class, click on, “How You Can Help” at the web site.  If you know of other individuals or groups that might be interesting in helping Jim in his efforts please pass this information on to them.

WCSS's own President Melissa Collum is running for At-Large Delegate to the NCSS Board.  During Collum's tenure as President and President-Elect, she has worked hard to continually put on a top quality state conference which has drawn the likes of Greg Mortenson & Gretchen Steidel Wallace.  Under her guidance, WCSS has also reached out to develop working relationships with several groups across the state.  Collum has also recognized the importance of pre-service teachers to the growth of WCSS.  NCSS members don't forget to vote for Melissa Collum and help Wisconsin maintain its leadership role on the NCSS board.

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"Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center is offering a National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute for School Teachers on July 12 through 30, 2010.  The Institute will be held on the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse campus. This is an opportunity for K-12 teachers to study the process of archaeology and the major cultures of the Upper Mississippi River Valley, including how these societies adapted and evolved over the past 13,000 years.

More information about the institute and registration can be found on-line at: http://www.uwlax.edu/mvac/neh.htm.  For additional information, please contact Bonnie Jancik at jancik.bonn@uwlax.edu.  Application deadlines is March 2, 2010."

Economic Resources
 *   Integrating Economics into Your U.S. History Classroom<http://www.economicswisconsin.org/ParksideUSHistoryWorkshop.pdf>

<http://www.economicswisconsin.org/ParksideUSHistoryWorkshop.pdf>February 12, 2010
Educators Credit Union
Racine, WI <http://www.economicswisconsin.org/ParksideUSHistoryWorkshop.pdf>
<http://www.economicswisconsin.org/ParksideUSHistoryWorkshop.pdf>

Economics matters in understanding U.S. history.  This professional development workshop is targeted at middle and high school teachers who are interested in deepening their students understanding U.S. history through the application of basic economic principles.  Workshop presentations will be based entirely on Focus: Understanding Economics in United States History, a curriculum of 39 complete history lessons published by the Council on Economic Education. View sample lessons.<http://store.councilforeconed.org/focus-ushistory.html>


 *   Mini-Society®: Children Can Always Use A Little Company<http://www.economicswisconsin.org/minisociety.htm>
<http://www.economicswisconsin.org/mspdf.pdf>For Teachers of Students Ages 8-12


 *   National Institute of Financial & Economic Literacy <http://www.wdfi.org/ymm/semandevents/education_series.htm>
<http://www.economicswisconsin.org/otw/sms_index.htm>Summer Program. Learn from top-notch instructors and guest speakers with national and local experience in the financial industry from both the public and private sector. Graduate credit available!


 *   On-Line Stock Market Game Teacher Training
<http://www.economicswisconsin.org/teach/smsonlineworkshopregistration.htm>Available Year Round

Finding and Interpreting Macroeconomic Data
1 credit, 6 week course
Instr. - Dr. Jim Grunloh
Course runs: February 8th to March 19
Priority Registration Deadline: 2/1/10 (after this date, please call 920-424-2440 for availability)
Direct questions about course content to Jim Grunloh <mailto:grunloh@uwosh.edu>

How do we measure the performance of the U.S. economy?  How do we measure GDP, inflation, unemployment and productivity?  Who gathers this data?  What are the strengths and weaknesses of the data?  In this one-credit class we will discover how to access and interpret macro data and examine related lessons teachers can use with their students.

Economics of Sports
1 credit, 6 week course
Instr: Dr. Norm Cloutier
Course runs: March 29 – May 7, 2010
Priority Registration Deadline: March 22, 2009 (after this date, please call 920-424-2440 for availability)
Direct questions about course content to Norm Cloutier <mailto:cloutier@uwp.edu>

Sports examples are an excellent way to illustrate economic principles to students. Some of the topics covered in this course include the economics of player salaries, ticket prices and ticket scalping; pricing in the memorabilia market; and public financing of stadiums. The course will cover a number of practical ways you can apply basic economic principles you already know to major league sports. In addition, you will learn economic concepts that may be new to you and your students.

Health Care Economics
1credit, 6 week course
Instr. Dave Bashaw
Course runs: March 29 – May 7, 2010
Priority Registration Deadline: March 22, 2009 (after this date, please call 920-424-2440 for availability)
Direct questions about course content to Dave Bashaw <mailto:bashawd@uww.edu>

This course will examine the supply and demand for health care, including the impacts of health insurance. Efficiency in the health care market will be analyzed, including physician behavior, hospital performance and new modes of health care delivery. Teaching and learning resources are appropriate for middle school and high school students and some are available via the Internet. Course material and activities are correlated with the Wisconsin Academic Standards in economics for grades 8 and 12.

Summer 2010

The Federal Reserve and Economic Policy

1 credit, 6 week course
Instr. - Dr. Scott Niederjohn
Course runs: June 14 to July 23
Priority Registration Deadline: June 7 (after this date, please call 920-424-2440 for availability)
Direct questions about course content to Scott Niederjohn <mailto:niederjohnms@lakeland.edu>

The Federal Reserve Bank plays an important role in determining economic policy for the United States. This course will focus on how the Fed determines and conducts policy as well as the new and expanded role the Fed is playing in the current economic crisis. We will also spend time discussing the history of the Fed, including its role in the Great Depression. Teaching and learning resources are appropriate for middle and high school students and some are available via the Internet. Course material and activities are correlated with the Wisconsin Academics Standards in economics for grades 8 and 12.

Great Economists of the Past and Present

1 credit, 6 week
Instr. - Dr. Scott Niederjohn
Course runs: June 14 to July 23
Priority Registration Deadline: June 7 (after this date, please call 920-424-2440 for availability)
Direct questions about course content to Scott Niederjohn<mailto:niederjohnms@lakeland.edu>

An examination of the ideas of leading economists from different historical periods, and the way economic theories influenced events and shaped public opinion. Analysis of the major ideas of Adam Smith, Thomas Robert Malthus, David Ricardo, Karl Marx, John Maynard Keynes and others. Introduction to the lives and work of recent Nobel Prize winners in economics.

Mathematics and Economics

1 credit, 6 week course
Instr. - Dr. Brian Schultz
Course runs: June 14 to July 23
Priority Registration Deadline: June 7 (after this date, please call 920-424-2440 for availability)
Direct questions about course content to Brian Schultz<mailto:brian.l.schultz@uwrf.edu>

This course is designed for middle school and high school teachers who are interested in lessons that apply mathematical concepts and processes to the study of economics and personal finance. Topics to be covered include: Ratios & Percentages, Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Problem Solving, and Data Analysis & Probability. No previous economics training is required . Course material and activities are correlated with the Wisconsin Academic Standards in mathematics and economics for grades 8 and 12.

The Department of Public Instruction, the Content and Learning Team is currently seeking applicants to fill the Education Consultant - Social Studies position. The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is located at 125 South Webster Street, Madison.

This position provides state level leadership to PK-20 districts and institutions for creating and sustaining quality education through curriculum, instruction, and assessment for social studies and civic education programs. The responsibilities associated with this leadership position include: (a) coordinating the development of guidelines for curriculum, instruction, and assessment in social studies; (b) coordinating professional development for implementing the Wisconsin Educator Standards and Wisconsin’s Model Academic Standards for Social Studies; (c) coordinating the development of social studies and civic education improvement strategies for schools identified for improvement under state and federal educational requirements; (d) assisting in the coordination of presentations, standards setting, item selection, and test interpretation associated with statewide social studies assessments. These responsibilities are accomplished by working closely with individuals representing other state agencies, universities, school districts, and CESAs while participating fully as a member of the Content and Learning Team.

http://www.dpi.wi.gov/hr/edconsultss.html

Paul Sandrock, Interim Director
Content and Learning Team

s.paul.sandrock@dpi.wi.gov

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
P.O. Box 7841
Madison, WI  53707-7841
PH:  608-267-3726
FAX:  608-266-1965

Dear Social Studies Council Affiliates:

 I would like to share information with you about the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Teacher Fellowship Program, which will run July 11-16, 2010.  Please share this information with secondary teachers and community college faculty associated with your state Social Studies Councils and other colleagues whom you think would be interested.  We hope you will help us publicize this program that has produced life-changing experiences for the Museum Teachers, both in and outside the classroom.

Best wishes for a happy holiday season.

This year’s applications are open to secondary school teachers and full-time faculty from community colleges.

 From July 11-16, 2010, the Museum will host up to 15 successful applicants in Washington, DC, to begin what has been a career and life-changing experience for nearly 250 secondary teachers since 1996. Those selected spend a week at the Museum working with staff historians, archivists, and educators and return the following summer for a three day follow up conference. The program is fully-funded through donations to the Museum, including travel expenses, teaching resources, and a generous stipend for books from the Museum Shop.

The Teacher Fellowship continues to impact the teaching of the Holocaust across the country and even around the world. On September 25, Teacher Fellow Matt Rozell of Hudson Falls, NY, was named ABC News Person of the Week for his project that reunited survivors with their liberators. In October 10 Museum Teacher Fellows represented the United States as guests of the Polish government for a week-long educational exchange in Warsaw and Krakow. Teacher Fellow Cathleen Cadigan of Dallas TX was recently named one of 8 outstanding educators by the College Board. These dramatic stories are but the tip of the iceberg. Teacher Fellows continue to lead the Museum’s effort to ensure quality Holocaust education in America’s secondary schools through educational outreach in their regions.

 I encourage you to apply for the Teacher Fellowship Program to become a leader in Holocaust education. Information and a downloadable application are available online. The flyer and application are also attached in this e-mail. 

Please contact Peter Fredlake (pfredlake@ushmm.org, 202-314-0352) if you have any questions about the Museum Teacher Fellowship Program.

Christina E. Chavarría Program Coordinator  202.488.0466
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
National Institute for Holocaust Education
100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW  Washington DC 20024-2126

Fax 202.314.7888

www.ushmm.org

Teaching Fellowship opportunity to Japan!!!

The Keizai Koho Center (Japan Institute for Social and Economic Affairs) in cooperation with the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS) will sponsor a ten day Fellowship to Japan in Summer 2010 for educators in the U.S. and Canada.  The Fellowship allows teachers to learn first hand about contemporary Japanese society and enhance their classroom teaching of global perspectives.

Click here for more info.

7/15/2009

Announcements are now up!! This is a test annoucment to see how it will look like on the announcements page. Further announcements will populate this once this site is finished. Please be patient until then.

Older Announcements

WCSS and IEC raised $10,000 to support Greg Mortenson's work to build schools in Afghanistan and Pakiston. Thanks to everyone who attended and contributed at the 2008 WCSS - IEC Conference!

The WCSS Executive Board will meet Saturday, 03 May 2008 at the West Salem Middle School, West Salem, WI. Host: Jenny Morgan. Mark your calendars and plan on attending this important meeting! Check the WCSS Online Calendar for the agenda, directions, etc.

Social Studies in the news: "College students struggle on history test" (USA Today) . Take the 60 question test. See how Wisconsin schools ranked. Full story in the Green Bay Press Gazette, Friday, 12 October 2007.

NCSS ELECTIONS: Mike Koren, WCSS Treasurer was elected to the "At-Large K-12" position on the NCSS Board of Directors. Thanks for voting and keeping our WCSS voice strong! (See the NCSS Board of Directors). Sally Michalko is also on the NCSS Board of Directors, Mike Yell is NCSS Vice-President and Walt Herscher is a member of FASSE (Fund for the Advancement of Social Studies).

Melissa Collum, WCSS President-elect will be the 2009 WCSS Conference Chair. Please contact her with your questions. Click on the link to find the Conference Proposal Form and the Conference Registration Form. PLEASE NOTE: You will have to PRINT OUT a copy of the Conference Registration Form and mail it to Eric Anderson. His address is on the form. FILLING OUT THE FORM ONLINE DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY REGISTER YOU FOR THE CONFERENCE! WCSS Conference page with links to our keynote speakers Brian Steidle and Jeremi Suri.

The WCSS welcomes Dr. Gerhard Fischer as the new DPI International Education Consultant.

The Indiana Council for the Social Studies will host the 2008 NCSS Great Lakes Regional Conference at the Indianapolis Convention Center 28 - 29 February 2008. The theme is, "Liberty, Equality, and Justice for All".