What's New ?

"Creating Effective Citizens...One Student At A Time."

COMMON CORE STANDARDS FOR LITERACY
IN SOCIAL STUDIES ADOPTED!

Important Information about the new Common Core Standards for Literacy,
adopted by the State of Oklahoma, can be found on the OCSS "Curriculum" page.

Celebrations and Commemorations VIDEO CD for all members!

As a special publication for OCSS members, a special CD collection of over 20 videoclip presentations focusing on the annual celebrations and commemorations related to our nation's history is now available for a mere $5.00 ($7.00 with shipping costs included.)

* Profits from the sale of the CDs will go to the FASSE fund through NCSS.
This fund offers annual scholarships and grants to college students
in financial need nationwide.

The CD contains the following presentations:

Why Study History?
44 Presidents Washington to Obama
Celebrate Freedom Week
Constitution Day!
Earth Day Making a Difference
Flag Day Etiquette
Happy Thanksgiving Address
Hispanic Heritage Month
Holocaust Remembrance
ML King Day
Native American Heritage Month
New Years Around the World
OKC Memorial’s Symbols
St. Patrick’s Day History
Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Clause
Patriot Day Remembered
Veterans Day in Military Song
Veterans Day Gratitude Campaign
OKC Tragedy Address
Women’s History Month
Remembering Presidents Day

* The CD can be purchased at the Oklahoma State History and Fine Arts Conference, January 8th, at the OCSS booth, or can be ordered by contacting Vice President Brenda Chapman at bchapman@putnamcityschools.org

Oklahoma City Remembers April 19th, 1995

NEW RESOURCES for TEACHERS

In commemoration of the 15th anniversary of this local and national tragedy, the Oklahoma Council for the Social Studies offers the following resources accessible for all teachers to utilize in their classrooms.

Homegrown Terror (ppt./ grades 9-12)

OKC National Memorial's Symbolism (ppt./ grades 4-12)

Aftermath of Terror (Bill of Rights Lesson Plan/grades 8-12)

Clinton's Anti-Terrorism Initiative (primary source document/ grades 8-12)

Death Penalty & McVeigh (political cartoon/grades 8-12)

Murrah Building (diagram/ grades 9-12)

OKC Memorial (federal legislation/ grades 8-12)

Victims List (primary source document/ grades 5-12)

White House Press Release (primary source document/ grades 4-12)

CELEBRATE FREEDOM WEEK & CONSTITUTION DAY

The Oklahoma Council for Social Studies recognized the importance of students to understand the meaning of our Constitution and its history, and its contemporary impact on their lives. For this reason we are pleased that the United States Congress has set aside September 17th as a day of commemoration and classroom instruction aimed at commemorating the anniversary of the signing of this guiding document in our nation's government.

Please access resources on our "Resource" page.

	COLONIAL DAY AT THE CAPITOL Every year, several classes of fifth grade students from the Oklahoma City metro area will converge on the state capitol for celebrations of our American heritage and a focus on early American history. Co-sponsored by the Oklahoma State Department of Education and the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, this year's Colonial Day stands out as one of the most memorable due to a special visit by Patrick Henry (as portrayed by Colonial Williamsburg re-enactor)
State Superintendent of Education Sandy Garrett and local re-enactor Benjamin Franklin.	Thomas Jefferson visits with colonial militiaman, Kelly Curtright, State Director of Social Studies, Oklahoma State Department of Education.
Students converge on the state legislative chambers to listen to the reading of the Declaration of Independence.
OCSS Receives SILVER STAR COUNCIL Award Past President Brett Dickerson receives the Silver Star Award from NCSS President Jesus Garcia at the National Conference held in Baltimore.

NCSS RECOMMENDED BOOK LIST FOR STUDENTS

Members Only: 2004 Notable Trade Books List

NCSS is the largest association in the country devoted solely to social studies education, engaging and supporting educators in strengthening and advocating social studies. Members receive journals with timely information and lesson ideas immediately for use in the classroom. Back issues may be ordered by mail, fax or telephone.
Use the order form: (http://www.ncss.org/publications/journals.shtml)

LATEST NEWS AT NCSS

Oklahoma teachers are encouraged to access the latest information on social studies instructional practices, research, and trends through our partner organization, the National Council for the Social Studies.

	For general news items published on a monthly basis, access online the NCSS newsletter.
	For information about recent congressional actions and proposals at a national level, check out the legislative update page, also!
	For details and applications for summer workshops, institutes, seminars, and travel opportunities for teachers, check out the "Professional Development" page.

RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE