My name is Jessica Torres and I serve as the ESC Region 12 Social Studies content specialist. The purpose of the newsletter is to provide resources specific to social studies content, general instructional tools, resources, updates, and professional development opportunities that are beneficial to all.

The 2020-21 school year was definitely one for the books. I am proud of all you were able to achieve despite the difficulties. Social studies education is more important than ever and I anticipate we will see some interesting issues come our way over the summer. I have no doubt that we will always work to do what is best for students. As always, if you ever need assistance or have a question, please do not hesitate to contact me via email (jtorres@esc12.net) or social media (@owl_b_torresedu).

One of the components of HB 3906 requires that by the 2022–23 school year no more than 75% of any STAAR test be presented in a multiple-choice format. To meet this requirement, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has engaged the Educator Advisory Committee, established by HB 3906, to provide the agency with guidance from experts in curriculum and instruction, higher education, and school leadership, as well as from individuals with experience supporting special populations. In addition, the agency also has been working with teachers to identify potential new item types by subject for use on STAAR tests. Sample new item types have been posted. All educators are encouraged to review the proposed new item types and provide their feedback using this survey link. Feedback may include, but is not limited to, suggestions on how to make the directions for an item type clearer, at which grade levels each item type would be appropriate, any concerns or difficulty interacting with an item type, or other comments.

Educator input and feedback is an important component in developing an effective summative assessment that serves all Texas students equitably. TEA continues to seek interested teachers, instructional coaches, campus and district content specialists, and campus administrators to serve on a variety of assessment-related committees and participate in focus groups. To apply for participation in these committees, educators should complete the Educator Committee Application Form.

Do you use DBQ in your classroom? They are providing some great tips here for alternative end products. These would be great for any unit! Also, make sure that you subscribe to their newsletter, here's the latest copy: https://www.smore.com/wf51b

The DBQ Project is unapologetically a writing program. We are also a social studies program, and a literature program, and a literacy program. Most importantly, the DBQ Project resources are inquiry. Inquiry-based learning not only piques students’ curiosity and engagement but also leads to deeper learning! The DBQ Project offers structured and scaffolded lessons to guide students through this inquiry process culminating in an evidence-based writing exercise. But, writing a 5-paragraph essay is not the only way for students to demonstrate their learning and articulate their arguments. Writing can also take many different forms. Have you considered creating an alternative end product for a DBQ or Mini-Q your students are working through? If you are a choice board person or love project-based learning, this is for you!

Some Possible Alternative Endings:

• Historical Report Cards
• Anatomy/Autopsy Reports
• Debates/Socratic Discussions
• TED Talks or NPR Podcast
• Letters to Gov’t or Organizations
• Storyboards & Comic Strips
• Team Essays – DBQ Relay
• DBQ Escape/Breakout Rooms
• TikTok/Flipgrid Videos
• Discussion Boards, Twitter Feeds, Padlet
• Prezis, Powerpoints, or iMovies
• National History Day ideas

The Texas Historical Commission offers free online and printed educational travel guides on Texas history and heritage that are perfect for teachers, students and families. There are also regional guides as well as a "big-as-Texas" 170-page guide covering the entire state.

Info: https://www.thc.texas.gov/bulkguides

**I have copies of the African Americans in Texas: A Lasting Legacy and Hispanic Texans: Journey from Empire to Democracy that I will be providing during the Beyond Heroes and Holidays session this summer.

TCSS plans to be back in person for #TXCSS2021 November 12-14, and we’re excited to see everyone again! This year’s conference theme is #EngageintheExperience and we know that our teachers at every level have powerful, engaging lessons to share. We look forward to receiving your presentation proposal.

The deadline for submissions is June 15. Presenters with accepted proposals will be notified by email by August 1, 2021.

Presenter Form: https://forms.gle/ewEkQGTCJas9CYS89

Poster Session Form: https://forms.gle/EhDEDH6ALp8FtcyA7

Questions? Email presenters@txcss.net

Social studies professional development opportunities offered through the ESC are free of charge to Enhanced Co-op members. Not sure if you have enhanced co-op...please feel free to reach out to me!

**This opportunity is not limited to librarians. If you are interested in participating in the book study, please feel free to register by clicking on the graphic.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute is pleased to invite Texas middle and high school teachers to two free professional development sessions on the Electoral College and Women's Suffrage.

Each session will feature a 45-minute lecture by an eminent scholar followed by a 15-minute Q&A and a 1-hour pedagogy session led by Master Teachers Ron Nash and Patience LeBlanc. Texas teachers are eligible for a $50 stipend per session.

The Electoral College
Dr. Alexander Keyssar, Harvard University
Wednesday, May 19
4 pm-6 pm CT
RSVP

Women's Suffrage
Dr. Martha Jones, John Hopkins University
Saturday, May 22
10 am-12 pm CT
RSVP

I am so excited to be part of the #sschat moderator team! I would love to have you join us for a great conversation via Twitter each Monday evening. Need help getting started with Twitter chats, reach out to me and I'll walk you through the steps. All of the Twitter chats are archived for future reference using Wakelet.

We are always looking for guest hosts or chat topic ideas. Use this Google Form to sign up or share an idea: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfm2f0hCWWIJ1dHFJ4z2xs-IH3AxZOTsoprU-epS4JOKUbB7Q/viewform

Check them out here:

Volume 1 (2018-2019) Issue 1 Issue 2 Issue 3 Issue 4 Issue 5 Issue 6 Issue 7 Issue 8 Issue 9 Issue 10

Volume 2 (2019-2020) Issue 1 Issue 2 Issue 3 Issue 4 Issue 5 Issue 6 Issue 7 Issue 8 Issue 9 Issue 10 Issue 11 Issue 12 Issue 13

Volume 3 (2020-2021) Issue 1 Issue 2 Issue 3 Issue 4 Issue 5 Issue 6 Issue 7 Issue 8 Issue 9

Special Editions: Celebrate Black History - Celebrate Women's History - 9/11 Remembered - Holocaust Remembrance Week - Memorial Day - Constitution Day

Instructional Leadership/Continuous Improvement Liaison

Social Studies Content Specialist

ESC Region 12

o: 254-297-1284

Email: jtorres@esc12.net
Website: https://www.esc12.net/page/ge_socialstudies
Location: ESC Region 12, West Loop 340, Waco, TX, USA
Phone: 254-366-3856
Twitter: @owl_b_torresedu