Join in a discussion about what makes an argument good. Participants will gain a two-step process that students can use to evaluate and strengthen their arguments in argument map form, either solo or in a peer-review process. We will also consider the role of objections and rebuttals in argument development. How We Argue Webinar Series Educators often want to discuss current issues and empower students to engage as active citizens. Yet, when discussing controversial topics, some students rely on unsubstantiated facts or emotional appeals, rather than evidence and reasoning…

In partnership, the National Council for History Education and the National Council for the Social Studies present “In Pursuit of Equity.” The purpose of this Equity Summit is to engage multiple communities in deliberative discussions about opportunities for and challenges to equity in the United States’ past, present, and future. Drawing upon the complex history of race, ethnicity, enslavement, poverty, and immigration in the American experience, sessions will emphasize opportunities, activism, and student empowerment. This Equity Summit fosters actively engaged and informed…

This two-part, interactive webinar series discusses key strategies and essential resources for teaching the upcoming mid-term elections and it's importance at the local and national levels. Series led by Allison Norrie, Social Studies Teacher at Andrew Warde High School in Fairfield, CT and Stephen Armstrong, Social Studies Consultant for the Connecticut Department of Education and Past President of the National Council for the Social Studies with special guest presenter, Sally Whipple, Executive Director of the Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House in Hartford, CT.…

In this two-part series, teachers will be provided with the tools to promote digital literacy and analyze public policy. Join Allison Norrie, high school social studies teacher for the Fairfield Public Schools, and Stephen Armstrong, past president of the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies and current education consultant for Connecticut’s Department of Education as they share strategies and resources for educators to aid in teaching and monitoring election cycles leading up to and including the upcoming presidential elections of 2024.   Presentation Slides

In Pursuit of Equity: Book Banning and Censorship Book bans in schools and libraries are on the rise. Last school year, more than 850 individual titles were impacted by censorship efforts of local groups and state decision-makers. How can educators and students navigate censorship in their communities? NCHE and NCSS united for a fourth virtual Equity Summit in October 2023 in support of our history and social studies educators and students, with a focus on book-banning and censorship. These are the session recordings from the Summit. 

"America is an exceptional nation built on a Declaration of Independence and a Constitution that offer a rare collection of inalienable rights and guaranteed freedoms: freedom of speech; freedom of religion; freedom to assemble; freedom of the press; the right to vote; the right to appeal; the right to bear arms. But let’s be honest. A “just government” requires the “consent of the governed,” as Jefferson declared. That is the essence of American democracy. But it is an ideal that must be defended and preserved by vigilant civic engagement. Democracy is not a spectator sport! This webinar…

Statistics in Schools (SIS) is a program that offers K-12 resources that can be used in the classroom. Use real-life data to teach your students with these free history, geography and sociology standards based activities and resources. Using current and historical data, the Census Bureau provides teachers the tools to help students understand statistical concepts and improve their data analysis skills.  Join this webinar and learn background information on the development of our resources. See firsthand some of our standards based activities and other resources that includes: maps,…

History classes that involve students in historical inquiry using primary sources can prepare young people for civic engagement. In this webinar illustrates how teachers can build students’ historical knowledge, foster historical thinking skills that are vital for civic engagement, and nurture students’ civic dispositions through document-based lessons. Using resources from the Library of Congress and following the National Council for the Social Studies C3 Framework, it presents model lesson ideas that add pizzazz to history courses and prepare young people to change the world. The…

Inquiry-based social studies empowers students to participate in the civic life of their local, state, and national communities. With inquirED, we will examine the following:How can a contentious election year provide an opportunity to explore civic participation?; What are the challenges educators face in polarized environments? Panelist Dr. Paula McAvoy Assistant Professor of Social Studies Education NC State University

Toxic civic dialogue? Insurrection? Decline of democracy? America needs quality civic and history education more than ever. NCSS has been a lead supporter and partner in the development of Educating for American Democracy, an initiative that promises a greater emphasis on civic and history education that is powerful, interdisciplinary, and inquiry-based. This virtual Town Hall to hear directly from a distinguished panel that will present the initiative and discuss actions needed to make the promise of Educating for American Democracy a reality for all learners. The Town Hall is moderated by…