Welcome

Hello, I am Teaven Barnum the District Instructional Specialist for Secondary Social Studies. I'm excited to help you in any way that you need. You can reach me at teaven.barnum@killeenisd.org, text at 254-446-2873 or call my desk phone at 254-336-0253.

The Substitutions and Content Updates web page has been updated with a request from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw-Hill, Savvas, and Studies Weekly to update content in their adopted social studies materials.

The public is invited to review and comment on the proposed content changes. Please submit an Instructional Materials Review and Approval (IMRA) help desk ticket if you need assistance.

Each year the Texas Education Agency (TEA) invites Texas educators to provide feedback on the development of state assessments (STAAR, STAAR Alternate 2, and TELPAS) through educator committees across all assessed grades and content areas. Developing high-quality, aligned questions relies on the expertise and experience of Texas educators. Participants collaborate with other educators from across the state to review, edit, and approve each potential question for state assessments. TEA is specifically looking for educators from your region!

The commitment is generally two to three days in Austin with all travel, accommodations, and substitute coverage paid for by TEA. All participants will earn continuing professional education credits. If you are interested or know other educators who would like to participate in a committee, fill out the application form here: https://www.texasassessment.gov/educator-committees.html.

Here is an example of the Lowman Frequency chart. A good point of practice is to remember to emphasize standards that have been tested 5 or more times in the past. Click the link below to see the whole frequency chart with highlighted standards for the upcoming units.

Here is an example of the Lowman Frequency chart. A good point of practice is to remember to emphasize standards that have been tested 4 or more times in the past. Click the link below to see the whole frequency chart with highlighted standards for the upcoming units

8th and 11th grade teachers please make sure to use the resources found in the Secondary Curriculum & Instruction group. If your campus has purchased Lowman STAAR Blitz please utilize that resource for your use. 8th grade teachers you also have all the STAAR resources in socialstudiessuccess.com available to you.

8th grade teachers: Your Deans, CISs and CICs have been given access to a course on schoology that you can use for STAAR Review. They should be able to duplicate the course and make you an admin so that you can make the course your own. Please feel free to add or subtract what you see is necessary for your students. If you have a resource that you feel all could benefit from please email me so that I can add it in the future.

Not sure what to cover in your review time? Make use of these study sheets that are developed on high frequency standards.

This 4th 9-Weeks Learn & Turn is live. Learn all about research in social studies.

Please click on the link for every content that you currently teach. This will help to guide decisions for next year.

A virtual training brought to you by Region 12 over exposure to the world’s religious traditions is critical for students as they move toward becoming global citizens. Focusing on the NCSS’s C3 Supplement on Teaching about Religion, this interactive session explores the legal foundations in the United States for teaching about religion, uses case studies to consider the very real challenges involved in teaching this topic, and provides guidelines and digital options for incorporating the study of religion into instruction.

Join Law-Related Education to examine the foundational documents and actions of the founders to better understand Article I as a foundation for the modern Congress. This session will include a study of the Articles of Confederation and the compromises at the Constitutional Convention, how redistricting and voter behavior has influenced Congressional elections, and the notion of legislative supremacy. Participants will enjoy both scholarly instruction and hands-on lessons and strategies that allow learners to engage with the content. Target audience: U.S. History (8th and EOC) and Government teachers.

Experience the roar of history and cannons as the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site comes alive with the 189th anniversary celebration of the Battle of San Jacinto. This action-packed event will feature reenactments, living history activities, and interactive experiences that transport you back to the pivotal moments of 1836. Join in the excitement with historical presentations, hands-on activities, and a vendor market, all set against the backdrop of one of the most decisive military victories.

The National Museum of the Pacific War will host a captivating program exploring the Battle of Iwo Jima, featuring living history volunteers in a dynamic battle presentation. Attendees will witness simulated explosions, blank-firing guns, World War II vehicles, and a live M2-2 flamethrower demonstration, while delving into the strategic importance and brutal realities of this pivotal World War II campaign. Online ticket purchase highly encouraged.

The First Annual Frontier Fest at Fort Martin Scott brings history to life with thrilling horsemanship and skill demonstrations at the Regional U.S. Cavalry Competition. This event will offer interactive exhibits, local food, and special appearances by the Texas Camel Corps and the Official State of Texas Longhorn Herd. Admission is free!

How can museums serve young adults, who are the country’s future inheritors and who seek out credible information on history and civics? It turns out, serving Gen Z audiences is not just another “to do” – they can be your organization’s secret weapon to delivering relevant, timely content and programming. And there are resources to help!

Cameron Katz, from Made By Us, shares how the Youth 250 Bureau and Youth 250 Toolkit can help your organization understand the needs of Gen Z, build knowledge and skills to meet those needs, find resources, and how to work with young people directly to create lifelong relationships.

:)

(October 2022 Newsletter) https://www.smore.com/5xkvg

(November 2022 Newsletter) https://www.smore.com/akyd6

(February 2023 Newsletter) https://www.smore.com/28pcj

(March 2023 Newsletter) https://www.smore.com/yge4w

(April 2023 Newsletter) https://www.smore.com/rfs32

(May 2023 Newsletter) https://www.smore.com/2j9zw

(August 2023 Newsletter) https://www.smore.com/cwy23

(September 2023 Newsletter) https://www.smore.com/jybau

(October 2023 Newsletter) https://www.smore.com/z3n5f

(November 2023 Newsletter) https://www.smore.com/ga5bqd

(January 2024 Newsletter) https://www.smore.com/69dk7

(February 2024 Newsletter) https://www.smore.com/n/prk0cy

(April 2024 Newsletter) https://www.smore.com/n/qrgks

(May 2024 Newsletter) https://secure.smore.com/n/1mek5

(September 2024 Newsletter) https://secure.smore.com/n/kvqj8

(October 2024 Newsletter) https://secure.smore.com/n/ngy06

(Nov./Dec. 2024 Newsletter) https://secure.smore.com/n/acrsn

(January 2025 Newsletter) https://secure.smore.com/n/ua9nj6

(February 2025 Newsletter) https://secure.smore.com/n/w48mv

(March 2025 Newsletter) https://secure.smore.com/n/m6k8h