The Essentials of Social Studies, Grades K-8: Effective Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (Priorities in Practice Series)

Today's fixation on math and literacy testing makes it tough for social studies teachers to deliver a challenging curriculum. But you can overcome those constraints and prepare students to actively participate in a democratic society with the ideas from this new volume in our "Priorities in Practice" series. Firsthand accounts from talented and dedicated social studies experts and teachers update you on the latest trends, including: (1) Why social studies teachers have to be advocates for their subject; (2) How to align social studies curriculum to "power standards" that integrate with other academic disciplines; (3) Why lessons and assessments should give students opportunities to solve problems, work on projects, and engage in simulations; and (4) Ways to incorporate social activism and controversy into lessons. Learn how new teaching and assessment approaches in the classroom are converging with new methods for teacher professional development.