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More civics education needed, advocates say

Florida lawmakers are listening and may require more classes — and testing — on the subject
By Leslie Postal, Orlando Sentinel

March 15, 2010

More than a decade ago, Florida social-studies teachers started lobbying to make their subject part of a statewide testing program. If it wasn't, they feared, then classes in civics, geography and history would be shoved aside in favor of tested subjects such as math and reading.

Their fears were well-founded. Today, the time to devoted to such courses has been cut, and social studies is often the class interrupted when everything from school pictures to career days needs scheduling.

But now some state lawmakers are supporting these advocates, as the Legislature considers making civics a required — and tested — subject.

Florida's "civic health," they say, is among the worst in the nation. And, to combat that, school kids need a regular dose of lessons on government, civic responsibility and key historical documents such as the Declaration of Independence.

It is a high-profile and bipartisan effort that mirrors national civic-education drives but is also controversial and very similar to efforts that failed previously.

Read the entire article

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Announcements

2010 Study Canada Summer Institute

Western Washington University is now accepting registrations for the 2010 STUDY CANADA Summer Institute for K-12 Educators held in Vancouver and Whistler, BC (June 20-25).

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History Day Opportunities

History Day Judges are needed -- You can help ensure that their efforts are rewarded, by judging at the Washington History Day state contest on Saturday, May 1, at Bellevue College. New History Day Teacher Award -- In recognition of the motivational aspects of History Day for educator professional development, HistoryLink.org is pleased to sponsor the Walt Crowley Teacher Mentor Award. This award will provide funding for a History Day teacher who has not attended the national contest, but has at least three years of History Day teaching experience, to attend the 2010 National History Day competition near Washington, D.C.

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“The Politics of the Brokenhearted,” a national conference led by Parker J. Palmer that will be held May 20-23, 2010, at Islandwood on Bainbridge Island

If you believe in the promise of democracy and lament the ways ours is falling short; if you want to rethink the meaning of citizenship at a time when divisiveness diminishes the power of “we, the people” while other powers run the show; if you want to help our society renew a sense of the common good as an individual and in the institutions where you live and work, we’d like you to join us. –Parker Palmer.

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Seattle Times Newspaper in the Classroom

Teachers can find a wide variety of information and lessons (many on current events and other civic-related issues) on the Seattle Times site.

Puget Sound Explorers Maritime Education

Puget Sound Explorers is a maritime education program provided by the Northwest Maritime Center & Wooden Boat Foundation in Port Townsend, WA. Lessons are based around themes of Captain George Vancouver's explorations, developed in partnership with teachers. On-water rowing and sailing activities, team development, history, knot typing and other activities are catered to each school group. Earn clock hours at our upcoming professional development workshops on developing maritime education lessons.

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State Capitol Virtual Tour

Virtual tour offers Capitol access to all visitors.

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NEW CBA-Aligned Washington State History & Culture Curriculum Available Free on Web

Northwest Heritage Resources has developed a new (in 2008) 10 week curriculum unit of 40 Lesson Plans with accompanying cultural community and traditional art form essays and a searchable database of Washington state traditional artists titled, "King County and Washington State Cultural Geography, Communities, Their History and Traditions". The curriculum unit is designed to meet the educational requirements of the Washington Superintendent's Office of Public Instruction Classroom-Based Assessment for "Enduring Cultures". While it specifically targets a 7th and 8th grade social studies CBA unit, many lessons, cultural essays, and the database can be adapted for use at levels 4-6 (intermediate) and higher. The curriculum and companion educational resource materials can all be accessed for free (downloaded as .pdfs) from Northwest Heritage Resources' website: www.northwestheritageresources.org. Supported with grant funding from 4Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Lady Washington Seamanship Expeditions

Lady Washington Expeditions offers a rare opportunity to learn traditional seamanship on a square-rigger.

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Leadership Retreat. March 11 - 13, 2011 at Campbell's Resort in Lake Chelan. All educators are encouraged to bring a piece of student work (or two) that exemplifies the conference theme of "Teaching Like Our Futures Depend On It." These will be shared in one or more sessions (and perhaps in your own informal gatherings).

Fall Conference: Cross Current. Edmonds Woodway High School. October 9, 2010.

K-8 Conference, Feb. 5, 2011

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WSCSS Teacher of the Year Award

The Washington State Council for the Social Studies strives to promote social studies education in Washington State. Teacher support and recognition are a large part of this mission.

Get the 2010 Teacher of the Year award application here.

During the 2009 Leadership Retreat at Lake Chelan Matt Yarkosky was announced as our 2009 Teacher of the year. Meet Matt.