Students should be able to:

ORGANIZE SYNTHESIZE INTERPRET EVALUATE EXPLAIN		Complex information    (concepts, problems or current issues)
Consider alternative solutions, strategies and perspectives Elaborate and apply their understanding of content Explain their answer in clear and concise written responses Apply basic ideas, concepts, and principles in the various disciplines in Social Studies Compare and contrast issues Give evidence and explanation in written expression Develop and defend arguments Analyze charts, political cartoons, maps, and other stimuli related to the Core Learning Goals

Teachers should:

• Incorporate the Core Learning Goals and assessment limits into daily lesson plans.
• Include before, during and after reading strategies.
• Use appropriate vocabulary for social studies.
• Engage students in cooperative learning utilizing problem solving, analysis, and evaluation.
• Stress written communication as well as oral.
• Offer opportunities to interpret social studies data.
• Discuss content and compare to "real-world" situations.
• Include multiple perspectives to allow for discussion and analysis.
• Incorporate research and use of technology into their lesson plans
• Use alternative assessments (i.e. mock trials, debates, mock congressional hearings etc…) to mirror student learning.
• Use student writing to assess content knowledge.
• Include multiple kinds of stimuli (primary documents, political cartoons, photos, newspaper and journal articles) into their lesson plans.
• Frequently give and assess writing assignments of varying lengths.
• Assess the understanding of concepts and how well students demonstrated that knowledge.
• Emphasize critical thinking skills in lessons and assessments.