Social Studies

Sue Davis K-12 Social Studies Program Coordinator 775-861-1241	Angela Orr Teaching American History Project Director 775-861-1241	Katie Anderson Teaching American History Master Teacher 775-861-1241
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• Kacey Edgington Kindergarten Program Coordinator 775-861-1240	Pamela Burns Secretary 775-861-1243
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Constitution Day

Constitution Day was passed into law on December 8, 2004. This law requires schools to inform and instruct students on the importance of the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787. As a result, this Constitution Day website was created to provide teachers with lessons, activities, and the resources needed to make this happen in their classrooms. 

Attached are 3 close reads for social studies grades 7-12 and links to other Constitution lessons. Notice the directions and student questions are found at the end of the documents.

Achieve the Core - for more information about close reading.
Constitution Day Resources 2012
ES Constitution of the United States Preamble
Grade 8 Words We Live By - Close Reading Exemplar
HS Remarks of Thurgood Marshall
HS Justice Scalia Speech

Philosophy of Social Studies Education

(in accordance with the vision of National Council for the Social Studies)

• The major content areas of social studies -  history, economics, geography, civics, sociology, anthropology, archaeology and psychology - are rich, interrelated disciplines, each critical to the background of thoughtful citizens.
• Social studies programs prepare students to identify, understand, and try to solve the challenges facing our diverse nation in an increasingly interdependent world. Education for citizenship should help students acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will prepare them to be competent and responsible citizens.
• Students do not become responsible, participating citizens automatically. Through discussions, debates, the use of authentic documents, simulations, research, and other occasions for critical thinking and decision making, students learn to address civic issues.
• Meaningful social studies curriculum is structured around enduring understandings, essential questions, and important ideas. It provides opportunities for students to conduct inquiry, develop and display data, synthesize findings, and make judgments.
• Social studies teaching and learning requires effective use of technology, communication, and literacy skills that add important dimensions to students’ learning.