NJ Social Studies Supervisors

Thomas Fordham Institute's focus on "content rigor" (meaning the more facts, the better) provides a state-by-state analysis of Social Studies curriculum across the country. Look first at the appendices which describe the basis for their grades. But this isn't useful for the grades, it's useful as a means to look at the organization of curricula in each state.

Is this even close to valid anymore?

Well designed curriculum - effective organization of concepts, essential questions and suggested activities. Although many of the "essential questions" are not essential questions, they are useful nonetheless.

Online textbooks for free, including audio versions. Texts are also annotated with paper textbooks. Great place to try a free e-text.

Online game requiring decision-making of what it would be like to live in war-torn Darfur.

Since 2001, school districts have adopted Bringing History Home to engage children in rigorous history explorations.  Bringing History Home (BHH) instructional units sequentially develop student skills and knowledge in history across the K-5 grade levels.  Inspired by their students' learning, BHH teachers have become committed advocates for history education in elementary schools.  Consequently, BHH is now the K-5 social studies centerpiece in eight Iowa school districts, and the project teaching strategies have been adopted by districts in at least six other states.

Virginia's high school curriculum is organized by essential questions, understandings, knowledge and skills

Good data on the effectiveness of teaching techniques

Textbook rental available to students and families - not school districts.  Parents looking for at-home copies or supplemental material can be directed here

iWitness from University of Southern California

Round table discussion concerning the common core's impact on history from History.org

The Hunt Institute YouTube channel shared by Beverly Plein at the NJSSSA meeting in Feb, 2012

Easiest to read and copy, one page summary of New Jersey standards