Social studies is in crisis. For the first time in decades, more students are scoring at the lowest levels on both civics and U.S. history state tests. We must do better.Â
Social studies is foundational to the skills students need for college, career, and civic life and it supports student outcomes in literacy. So, how can you prioritize social studies at your district and ensure those minutes will lead to meaningful learning for students?
Join our panel of industry experts and district leaders for a lively discussion on tackling these important issues.
Mallory Umar is the Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instruction at the Racine Unified School District, one of Wisconsin’s largest and most diverse school districts serving over 16,000 students. In her role, Mallory oversees Social Studies for grades K-12. Earlier this year, Mallory presented workshops at the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) conference and the Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies (WCSS). Mallory also serves on the Board of Directors at the Racine Heritage Museum.Â
Mallory is currently a PhD Candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she is studying Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis.Â
Dr. Lawrence Paska is the Executive Director of National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), the largest professional association in the country devoted to social studies education.Â
Larry began his career as a public middle school social studies teacher in New York. He later served at the New York State Education Department and led New York's standards and assessment programs for social studies. He later became the Director of Social Studies for Harrison Central School District. He then served as the Director of PD for the Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), where he implemented New York State's K-12 Social Studies Framework across 32 public school districts.
Steven Kidd works for the Cherry Creek School District in the Denver Metro Area. Prior to his current role, he spent time as an Instructional Facilitator and as the Social Studies Content Coordinator for Cherry Creek Schools. Before serving as a district administrator, he taught middle and high school social studies for 17 years and served as a middle school Dean of Students. He studied at Colorado State University Pueblo and Metropolitan State College of Denver, earning a bachelor's degree in history and teaching certification. He also holds a Master Degree in Innovative Educational Leadership from Regis Jesuit University.
Dan brings twenty-plus years of professional experience spent working towards a more perfect union of teaching, learning and technology. Prior to Newsela, Dan was the founding Director of Digital Learning at Achievement First Public Charter Schools, where he spearheaded the integration of digital learning technologies across the network. He began his education career in Teach for America and went on to teach in public and private schools, as well as in the US Navy. He holds degrees from Wesleyan University, Brown University, and Tufts University.
