SS+Committee+Meeting+Notes+Nov+2009

**(11/23/2009)** Meeting notes: This meeting’s main objective was to provide time for pilot participants to dialogue about their thoughts on the series after one MP of use. We also developed a list of areas by which we may judge the series. Participants mentioned the following regarding the series: 1) NJ CCCS include NJ History, and the series addresses these nicely 2) This series raises the bar in terms of rigor. This is in line with what the State has done with our revised CCCS. 3) The series focuses on big ideas, essential questions – an overall conceptual approach to developing social studies understandings. This is right on target with UBD and the standards clarification project. 4) Centers have been used which allow groups of students, rotating from center to center, to explore social studies concepts and skills. This has allowed teachers to expose students to material in a timely manner. 5) There is a wealth of online materials available, including the text itself. 6) The series relates well to the other content areas and resources. The list of areas we came up with to judge this series are below. These areas should be looked at carefully so we can provide feedback to our colleagues. //(Assessment, Supplemental Materials, Integration, Technology, Format/Presentation, and Rigor/higher Level thinking)// During the meeting, we also focused on the fact that the series would be a resource to address state standards. We agreed that the series does address state standards well. This series will be one of other possible resources – others may include web resources, National Geographic resources, etc. The series will not “drive” instruction. The CCCS standards will. We also discussed the possibility of pilot teachers presenting a sample lesson from the series to their grade level partners. This will help other teachers “see” what types of activities and features the series offers. Mark Z. will set this up.
 * Elementary Social Studies Committee Meeting**