As the past 12 months have continually demonstrated, the work we do assisting the next generations in civic engagement is essential. Through deep, meaningful exploration of history, geography, economics, civics, and culture, we work to ensure our students are prepared to address the challenges and opportunities at both individual and societal levels.
Your work—much of it unseen by students or parents—helps to maintain our democracy. It is not hyperbole to suggest that your work is vital to our future.
Reflecting society, much of what Illinois social studies teachers explore with their students is in constant flux. Recent legislation and changing state mandates require exploration of various topics. We strongly encourage you to visit the Illinois State Board of Education Social Sciences site to learn more about inclusive curriculum, the civics mandate, other mandated curriculum, the Illinois Priority Learning Standards, in addition to the Social Science learning standards. The website for these documents is https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Social-Science.aspx
Very recently, the State Board of Education has been reviewing and working to revise the Illinois Social Science learning standards. Impacting every public school classroom, these standards form the basis of the curricular experiences of our students. We anticipate a request for public input on standard revision recommendations soon. We will work to communicate with you the venues of this feedback opportunity to ensure your voices are heard during the standards revision process. This news article on the initial implications of House Bill 2170 is a good place to start: https://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/politics/education-bill-to-revamp-social-studies-classes-place-more-emphasis-on-black-history/article_3701a93f-15a8-5ef1-a26b-8816fb8f51cd.html
The National Council for the Social Studies has many resources to assist you in remote teaching, blended teaching, and face-to-face teaching. Beyond pedagogical techniques, NCSS also provides guidance for teachers who explore many of the issues facing our society; Racism, classism, dueling historical narratives, economic inequality, and other topics vital for our students to understand. These resources can be accessed through NCSS website, https://www.socialstudies.org/. We encourage your exploration of these resources.
We wish you well and hope to see you in person soon.