NCSS Social Studies Programs of Excellence Award

Sponsored by: National Council for the Social Studies

Frequency: Annual

Award:

Purpose:
To identify and provide recognition for
outstanding social studies programs currently being implemented in the
United States and to encourage the growth and development of innovative
and effective programs in the social studies.

Eligibility:

• 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:

1. District Social Studies Program: district-wide at the elementary school, middle school/junior high, senior high, or K-12 levels
2. Elementary School Social Studies Program: K-6; may be a segment of an elementary program, e.g., primary K-3, intermediate 3-6.
3. Middle School/Junior High School Social Studies Program: may be 5-7, 6-9, 6-8, etc.
4. Senior High School Social Studies Program: may be 9-12,10-12, etc.
5. Social Studies Teacher Education Program: may be district staff development or preservice training at college/university level.
6. 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.

• List of State Program Coordinators

State Level Entry Requirements

Eight sets, one original 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 coordinator

Please check with your state council for exact state council application deadlines