Course Syllabus

Laying the Foundation in 5th Grade Social Studies:

Preparing for Student Success in 8th Grade Social Studies

 Course Author: Kelly James

E-mail: jamesk@castleberryisd.net

 Twitter: @kjameschs

This training will... 

Environment and Materials

All materials will be provided via Canvas.  

Participant Resources

• Laptop or iPad with Internet Access
• Login to Canvas

Purpose

This online, self paced, professional learning course will guide educators in the implementation of best practices for social studies to ensure a strong foundation of United States history is in place.  Social Studies at the elementary level is often "back burner" and thus students are entering secondary without the foundation knowledge needed for their success.  By completing this training the teacher will have a better understanding how  the 5th grade content impact success in the 8th grade.  They will also explore methods of better integrating ELA with Social Studies.  The teacher should complete this training will a firmer grasp on their role in laying the foundation for United States History.    

Format

In order to complete the course, participants must complete the online modules within the 3-day window and then implement ongoing unit updates during the school year. Upon implementation with students, teachers will post a reflection of their experience in their own blog.  Teacher will post once a six weeks showing evidence of the activities and/or mini assessments created during this training.  Six hours of credit along with a competency-based badge will be awarded once the teacher reflection is submitted by the assigned date. 

Learning Expectations 

​This online course will allow teachers to create their own mini assessments and activities for their social studies units.  In addition, teachers will discuss best practices from their peers both within their grade level and from those teaching the 8th grade . Upon completion of the course, teachers will have an understanding of how incorporating key points and engaging activities into their social studies time enhances student engagement and student achievement.

Goals and Objectives

1. Learner will be able to ...
1. Learner will know key points from each historical time period
2. Learner will practice narrowing content to focus on significant events
3. Learner will explore integrating SS and ELALearner will create activities to engage students that are focused around key points
4. Learner will create mini assessment to evaluate student learning

Assessment

The learner will be assessed on the following criteria:

• Complete Module Discussions
• Complete Module Activities
• Complete 4 out of the 5 ongoing Modules throughout the Year

Modules

Course Evaluation

A quick instructor feedback form will be completed at the conclusion of the lesson. If the teachers respond with mostly positive feedback, then the course author and instructor will know the instructional design was effective.  

Timeframe 

Initial training needs to be completed in the 3 day time frame.  Ongoing modules will be updated every six weeks.  The time frame will vary based on the individual.  However, a general estimate will be 6 hours.