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NCSS Programs of Excellence Award
Postmarked Deadline Extended to June 2, 2008
A social studies program currently being implemented in the United States
A program of outstanding quality based on a curriculum
framework consistent with the NCSS Curriculum Standards for Social
Studies or the revised NCSS Standards for the Preparation of Social
Studies Teachers. A complete social studies program (not single courses or
parts of programs), which encourages articulation, balance of content,
a variety of teaching strategies, and the involvement of teachers,
students, and the community.
Categories of Entry:
- District Social Studies Program: district-wide at the elementary school, middle school/junior high, senior high, or K-12 levels
- Elementary School Social Studies Program: K-6; may be a segment of an elementary program, e.g., primary K-3, intermediate 3-6.
- Middle School/Junior High School Social Studies Program: may be 5-7, 6-9, 6-8, etc.
- Senior High School Social Studies Program: may be 9-12,10-12, etc.
- Social Studies Teacher Education Program: may be district staff development or preservice training at college/university level.
- Non-commercial organizations, agencies, or institutions in
ongoing association with numbers 1-5 listed above (this includes state
or local NCSS associations).
Criteria:
1. The Teacher - An exemplary social studies program should involve social studies teachers who:
A. Evidence both scholarship and expertise in the curriculum they teach.
B.
Evidence participation in all aspects of the development of this
curriculum, including setting goals and objectives as well as program
development, implementation, evaluation, and revision.
C. Apply sound instructional theory and practice in the implementation of the program.
2. The Curriculum - An exemplary social studies program should include a social studies curriculum that:
A. Is guided by thoughtfully selected as well as clearly stated and defined goals and objectives.
B. Is based on sound scholarship from the content areas relative to the social studies.
C. Sets high expectations for students and uses a variety of systematic and valid measures to evaluate student performance.
D. Relates appropriately to the age, maturity, interests, and needs of the students for whom it is designed.
E. Incorporates
effective instructional strategies and techniques that engage students
directly and actively in the learning process both in and out of the
classroom.
F. Provides valid evidence that the outcome of the program is consistent with the stated goals and objectives.
G. Is consistent with the ten thematic strands identified by NCSS Curriculum Standards for Social Studies.
3. The Students - An exemplary social studies program should engage social studies students in:
A.The critical examination of significant content, issues, and events from a variety of perspectives.
B. Focused systematic observations, comprehensive decision making, and active participation in their school, community, and world.
C. Understanding democratic principles and participation in the democratic process.
Before Applying, please check that your state council is participating in this recognition program. Click here for a list of state Program Coordinators
State Level Entry Requirements
Eight sets, one orignial and seven copies of the following materials
(each set of materials must be bound with labeled subject dividers):
- Program Entry Checklist (form SP-8).
- Cover Page (form SP-6; 2 pages; and professional resume or vita).
- Abstract of program, maximum 75 words (form SP-7).
- Definition of a Program/Criteria Fit - Brief
description of how your program fits the definition and criteria
listed in from SP-2 (maximum 6 single sided, double spaced, typewritten
pages on a 8-1/2 x 11 in. paper).
Is your program:
- A social studies program currently being implemented in the United States;
- A
program of outstanding quality based on a curriculum framework
consistent with the NCSS Curriculum Standards for Social Studies or the
revised NCSS Standards for the Preparation of Social Studies Teachers
- A complete social studies program (not single courses or parts of programs) which encourages:
- articulation
- balance of content
- a variety of teaching strategies, and
- the involvement of teachers, students, and the community
- Program Curriculum--description of goals, objectives, teaching strategies, assessments, and program implementation (15 page maximum).
- Required Letters of Support (at least one letter from each category, refer to SP-1)
___ Principal, college dean, or other on-site program supervisor;
___ State Social Studies Curriculum/Program Coordinator (verifying that the program is currently being implemented);
___ Classroom Teacher or Teacher Educator (that participates in the program).
- Other Support Documents (5 document maximum. No document should exceed three pages).
___ Letter from student, parent, or community individual or organization;
___ Letter from superintendent, college/university president, or other education program administrator;
___
samples of work, teaching portfolios, newspaper articles, information
on participants, video tape of program implementation (eight copies of
video if submitted).
State Level Submission Requirements Eight (8) sets of all the materials listed under "State Level entry Requirements" (one
original and seven copies), each set should be placed in a three-ring
or similar binder with labeled subject dividers, and should be
submitted to your social studies state council's Program of Excellence c
Recommended State Level Submission Deadline: Postmarked by April 30, 2004
State Level Application Forms
FOR STATE COUNCIL POE COORDINATORS
National Nomination Requirements
From
the
programs submitted at the state level, a social studies state council
will select up to two programs and nominate them for the national level
award. The state council is responsible for completing and
including the following forms/materials in each of the nomination
packets:
- Program Entry Checklist (National Level form NP-3A)
- National Entry Cover Page (form NP-4)
- Letter of nomination from the state council president;
- Letter from the State Council's Awards Coordinator
- describing the state selection process, identifying any other
programs considered for national nomination, and supporting your
program's nomination for the national award.
- State Council Justification of Nomination that emphasizes: (a) how the program fits the definition of an exemplary program (as stated on SP-2 and NP-2); (b) how the program incorporates the Curriculum Guidelines (found on SP-3); and (c) identifies
those areas where the program excels. (Maximum 5, single-sided,
double-spaced, typewritten pages).
- Site Visit Form (form NP-5) - program
contact information and a list of the individuals that served on the
site visit team that evaluated this program.
- Supplemental Site Visit Form (form NP-5A) - completed by each site visit team member listed on NP-5. Each of these forms should include:
1)
the site visit team member's name, institution/affiliation, preferred
mailing address, daytime telephone number, fax number and e-mail
address;
2) comments regarding the site visit; and
3) site visit team member's signature and site visit date.
- Evaluation Form (form NP-6; 2 pages) - completed by each site visit team member.
National Submission Requirements
- Seven (7) sets of all the materials listed under "National Nomination Requirements"
(one original and six copies), each set of national level materials
should be labeled with subject dividers and placed in front of each set
of state level application materials and then placed in a three-ring
binder or similar binder. For your convenience, a list of state
council Programs
of Excellence Award Coordinators is attached. (Click here for list).
Please note that the committee will consider composition, spelling, grammar, etc. in the evaluation process.
Review
the contents of your submission carefully! Application materials that
are incomplete or that do not meet the established award criteria
requirements will not be considered. The selection committee reserves
the right to remove from consideration any application that fails to
meet all submission requirements.
ALL SUBCOMMITTEE AWARD SELECTION DECISION ARE FINAL!
National Level Application Forms (for State Council POE Coordinator Use)
If you are having difficulties accessing the state level (SP) or
National Level (NP) application forms, you may e-mail or mail your name
and contact information specifying what you are requesting to excellence@ncss.org
or by mail to:
Social Studies Programs of Excellence
National Council for the Social Studies, 8555 Sixteenth Street, Suite 500, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Programs selected by state councils must be submitted to NCSS and Postmarked Deadline Extended to June 2, 2008
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National Council for the Social Studies
