Welcome to the PCSS online, home of the
Pennsylvania Council for the Social Studies.
What is New? |
“Advocacy for the Social Studies: The 3 R’s --Relationships, Rigor and Relevance in the age of No Child Left Behind.” Register now for the 2008 PCSS
ANNUAL CONFERENCE,
Oct. 16-18th at the Eisenhower Hotel and Conference Center,
Gettysburg, PA. Learn more about the October 17, 2008 clinic Developing Authentic Literacy Experiences in Social Studies: The Storypath Approach
New clinic added for the October 17th PM session: Deliberation For Collaborative Solutions presented by Dr. Harris Sokoloff of the University of Pennsylvania. Sign up now. |
The Montgomery Bar Association is sponsoring a “Why Vote?” YouTube video project for students (and others). Click here for the packet. Additional info about the project can be found on their homepage www.montgomerybar.org |
Click here to review a report that addresses the issue of why education funding as an issue critical to civil society and to all citizens, including social studies educators, plus a list of charts outlining Governor Rendell's funding proposal. |
Click here to learn more about the 10th Annual Celebrate the Constitution Program sponsored by the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Foundation partnering with PennCORD. |
Check out the latest News & Views for information about the PCSS Officer election and cast your vote! |
A recorded public hearing of Pennsylvania high school students discussing their role in a civil society is available to all classroom teachers in Pennsylvania for free from the Pennsylvania Coalition for Representative Democracy (PennCORD). Recorded in the fall of this school year, "My Role in a Civil Society" is the third annual student hearing hosted by The Consortium for Public Education. The students that you will see on the DVD share their views on topics such as social capital and competing in the global economy. To receive your free copy, please contact Joanna Richman at (215) 409-6684 or jrichman@constitutioncenter.org. |
Take a look at what PDE has done with their Standards Aligned System. It includes Big Ideas and Essential Questions based on the PA Academic Standards. They have a resource section with useful links for teachers and students including Reading Apprenticeship. Although much of the site is incomplete, they have very recently added Civics. Go to www.pde.state.pa.us/sas. Social Studies will appear on the left and Civics is accessible through that link. |
Congratulations to the Overbrook High School's Mock Trial Team for winning the Pennsylvania State Championship! Overbrook will represent Pennsylvania in the National Mock Trial finals held in Wilmington, DE, May 8th -10th. |
Click on the link below to read Congressman Lee Hamilton's article on the significance of civic education in a democracy. He identifies some qualities and activities that students should experience. Link |
Tom Ladenburg has been a outstanding member of the NCSS Issues Centered Education community for many years. He recently completed eight units intended for junior high and standard senior high school students. You can obtain a list of these units and others intended for average and above average senior high students by emailing him at t.ladenburg@verizon.net. The units you request will be sent free to your computer. |
The Middle States Council for the Social Studies (MSCSS) recognized Green Woods Charter School teacher Jill Pescatore as a teacher in the field of social studies that makes significant contributions to the advancement of social studies education. Mrs. Pescatore received the Teacher-to-Teacher Award for innovations in social studies instruction. At the 104th Annual MSCSS Conference Mrs. Pescatore and Mrs. Kim Lewullis presented their published unit on immigration and coal mining in northeastern Pennsylvania. They continue to create innovative integrated social studies lessons that combine social studies, language arts, environmental science, art and music.
Photo from right to left: Susan Griffin, Executive Director-National Council for Social Studies; Mrs. Jill Beccaris-Pescatore, Green Woods Charter School; Eileen Wilkinson, Awards Chair, MSCSS. |
The Center on Education Policy has published an analysis of their 2006-07 survey data on instructional time for different disciplines in elementary school under No Child Left Behind. Take a look. |
The History Club of Corry High School has undertaken the building of a Constitution Wall to recognize individuals who preserve the Constitution and First Amendment Rights. The Ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place Constitution Week, 2008. Learn more. |
Fifty years ago President Eisenhower proclaimed the first Law Day a "day of national dedication to the principle of government under law." The ABA invites you to celebrate this enduring principle during the 50th anniversary of Law Day on May 1, 2008. Learn more... |
The latest News and Views is available to members under the password protected area of this site. A hard copy of this issue has also been mailed ALL PCSS members. |
The Trial of the Century--21st Century Justice Helps Students prepare for 18th Century Trial "These kids were preparing as hard for their trials as real lawyers getting ready for a significant trial," said Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Max Baer. Click here for the full story. |
Be sure to take some time to read Judith L. Pace's commentary |
Have you joined PCSS yet? What are you waiting for? |
Visit the Social Studies Advocacy page for important information. |
Call for Manuscripts; The PCSS Social Studies Journal is in need of manuscripts for the next issue. Please read the following announcement to learn more... |
