IOWA COUNCIL FOR THE SOCIAL STUDIES NEWSLETTER

DO YOU KNOW ANYONE . . .
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
ICSS TEACHING AND CURRICULUM AWARDS
AWARDS, FELLOWSHIPS, AND GRANTS
CALLS FOR PARTICIPATION
PROFESSIOINAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE U.S.
CLASSROOM RESOURCES

...who’s an outstanding social studies educator?  I know that you know at least one—yourself!   In this edition of the ICSS Newsletter, Don Peterson has listed all the awards given by the ICSS and how to apply for them.  They include the Iowa Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award, the Clair Keller Development Instructional Project Grant, the Don Fett Social Studies Instruction Award, and the John Haefner Award.  In the past, we’ve received few applications for these prestigious and deserving awards.  So, please think about nominating an outstanding colleague or yourself. You deserve it!

Also in this edition of the ICSS Newsletter, John Wheeler gives us a very thorough update on the makeup of the state legislature since the November elections.  He highlights social studies teachers newly elected or just returned to office, and makes some very interesting predictions on this coming year’s session that concern teacher pay and urban district school funding.  As usual, our assistant editor Elizabeth Jensen provides us with a wealth of professional development opportunities and curricular ideas in this edition.  Check out the opportunities available for travel and research overseas.  I think you’ll find some very worthwhile opportunities to study and work abroad with a goal of bringing home the best social studies education possible for next fall’s students.

Well, it’s cold here in Iowa City.  I’m sure it is where you are, too.  So, grab a hot chocolate or some other comforting beverage, get a warm blanket, and sit in your favorite chair as you read through this edition of the ICSS Newsletter.  I hope you enjoy it!  Have a relaxing winter break and a very productive spring.  We’ll see you one more time before spring’s warm breezes turn our brown Iowa winter into a verdant Iowa summer.  --GH 

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Voters in Iowa have spoken – not so loud and not so clear. After months of rhetoric and negative campaigning, it seems that we Iowans like things just as they are. At the national level, we still have one Democrat and one Republican in the U.S. Senate; and we still have one Democrat and four Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives. Statewide elected officers also remain all Democrats except for the Auditor. In the State Legislature both chambers remain solidly in Republican hands: 29 –21 in the Iowa Senate and 54 – 46 in the Iowa House.

When the 80th General Assembly convenes in January there will be one less woman than in the previous Legislature but four racial minorities (an increase of three). The new Legislature will be 97% white (compared with the overall population in Iowa that is 94% white) and 79% male (compared with an overall Iowa population that is 49% male). The biggest demographic change in the legislative branch is from rural to urban (or suburban as the case may be). With redistricting, the number of “urban” districts increased. The 2003-04 session will include 45 legislators from cities with populations greater than 50,000. An additional 18 legislators hail from hometowns with populations between 25,000 and 50,000. The other major change will be the relative inexperience of the 2003-04 session (59 “freshmen,” including 42 who are brand new to the legislature). This could serve to tone down last spring’s rancor and political posturing between the legislative and executive branches.

The 80th Iowa General Assembly will include 18 teachers (by my count): 14 in the House, 4 in the Senate. 

So what are the implications of these demographic trends? With a more urban legislature, look for changes to the state’s school aid formula. Look also for a push for greater consolidation – both in school districts and in AEAs. There may be a greater emphasis on infrastructure, specifically funding for school building repair. Continuing budget shortfalls, however, may affect projected monies for the Teacher Pay Initiative. Expect a greater emphasis on economic development and job creation, and cutting budget corners every way possible. 

The new legislative session will convene on January 13, 2003. Only one year and a few days before the Iowa Caucuses. Let the politics begin!

2002 ICSS Middle School Teacher of the Year
Steven E. Wymore has been selected as the Iowa Council for the Social Studies Middle School Teacher of the Year.  Mr. Wymore presently teaches middle school social studies at Council Bluffs Lewis Central.  He began teaching at Lewis Central in 1971.  He received his BA in education from Peru State College and MA in middle level education from the University of Northern Iowa.  In March 2001, he received the Iowa State History Teacher of the Year from the State Daughters of the American Revolution Committee.  In 1975, he was selected as the Teacher of the Year for Lewis Central.

Tom Meissner, principal at Lewis Central, states that Steve is very effective in the four domains of his teaching.  His planning/preparation, classroom environment, instruction, and professional responsibilities all operate at high levels of proficiency.  Steve truly believes that all his students can learn and succeed, given proper time, instruction and support.  His teaching style promotes high academic learning without the fear of failure.

Dorothy Sillan, middle school social studies and language arts instructor, states that her children have been blessed to have him as a social studies instructor during their middle school years.  Steve spends hours gleaning professional magazines researching new ideas and information to make his daily lessons interesting and up-to-date.  He truly teaches to all types of learners.

Dr. Jody Strohben continues with the fact that both his children were fortunate to have Steve as their instructor in American History.  The students in his class learn not only from his innovations to make the class fun and interesting, but also because of the loving and nurturing environment he provides.  Mr. Wymore treats everyone with respect.  His pupils return it to him.  Mr. Wymore is a person anyone can talk to.  He listens and remembers.  He teaches patience, self-esteem, respect, and dignity.

Jean Davison, Social Studies Facilitator for the Cedar Rapids Community Schools, states that as a teacher at Metro, the district's alternative high school, Bev has shown her enthusiasm and love of learning.  She has always risen to the challenge of making social studies come alive for students with challenging educational needs.

Sally Fairchild states that Bev exhibits superior ability to teach every student within the alternative school setting.  Bev works with all students in a manner that assists them to be excited about learning social studies and to become a positive citizen in their community.  Not only is Bev excellent in the classroom as a social studies teacher, but she can always be relied upon to volunteer and assist with any activities.

Donald Daws, Lead Teacher Metro High School, states that Bev has the ability to challenge the academically gifted students and, in the same class, provide meaningful and appropriate activities for students with learning and/or behavioral disabilities.

The Iowa Council for the Social Studies congratulates Steven E. Wymore and Beverly Grindeman-Adams on being excellent representatives for the teaching of social studies in their classrooms. 

Iowa Social Studies Teacher of the Year
Recipients of the Iowa Social Studies Teacher of the Year award will be recognized with a plaque and a one-year paid membership to the National Council for the Social Studies and the Iowa Council for the Social Studies.  Winners also have the option to be nominated for the NCSS Teacher of the Year Award.  The applicant must be a member of the NCSS and the ICSS with five or more years of experience and currently under contract within the State of Iowa.  Categories include elementary, middle, and high school teacher of the year.  Nomination deadline is March 31, 2003. 

Clair Keller Development Instructional Project Grant
The Clair Keller Development Instructional Project Grant applicant must submit a Project Proposal Outline, including the main purpose of the project, objectives, and schedule for completion, with a cover page.  The Clair Keller Development Instructional Project Grant winners receive a grant of $250.  The winner must also present at the ICSS Fall 2003 Conference.  Deadline for application is March 31, 2003. 

Don Fett Social Studies Instruction Award
The Iowa Council for the Social Studies will give a $100 cash award to K-12 teacher/teachers for submitting an exemplary lesson plan that they have created.  This lesson plan must reflect current trends in social studies education and be an original approach to the teaching of any social studies discipline.  A cover page must also be included with the lesson plan.  Applications must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2003.  Winner(s) of this award must present their lesson plan at the fall meeting of the Iowa Council for the Social Studies. 

John Haefner Award
Individuals who are eligible for the John Haefner Award must be recommended by a member of the Iowa Council for the Social Studies to the Executive Director and the President of the Council.  Professionals selected for the award must have promoted better teaching in social studies by participating in the professional workshops and conferences at both the state and national levels. The nominee is not to be informed that they have been nominated or are to receive the award.  The essence of this award is recognition by the recipient’s peers for outstanding teaching, continuous learning and/or service to the social studies education profession.  A nomination must be made prior to March 31, 2003.  The Executive Board will evaluate the applications and the recipient of the award and will be announced at the annual conference luncheon.  The recipient of this award will receive a plaque from the Iowa Council for the Social Studies signifying his/her selection.

For more information or to send in nominations, contact:
Donald D. Peterson
112 Crestview Dr
Marshalltown, IA 50158
(Hm) (641) 753-7939
E-mail  IaGeoPete@aol.com

NCSS Outstanding Social Studies Teachers of the Year
Annually, NCSS recognizes exceptional elementary, middle, and secondary social studies teachers in the nation.  Candidates must be NCSS members at the time of nomination.  Winners receive $2,500, a commemorative gift, annual conference presentation session, and a complimentary one-year NCSS membership.  Nominations must be postmarked by April 1, 2003.  Visit http://www.socialstudies.org/awards for more information.

Larry Metcalf Exemplary Dissertation Award
NCSS recognizes outstanding research completed in pursuit of the doctoral degree.  The research must make a significant contribution to social education.  Sponsored by NCSS and NCSS Research Committee.  A $250 award will be given, along with a commemorative gift, and a presentation session at the annual conference.  Deadline is March 31, 2003.    Visit http://www.socialstudies.org/awards for more information.

Grant for the Enhancement of Geographic Literacy
Promotes school geography education programs that encourage the integration of geography into the social studies curriculum/classroom and enhance the geographic literacy of students at the classroom, district, or statewide level.  Award recipients will receive $2,500, a commemorative gift, and a presentation session at the annual conference.  Deadline for submission is March 21, 2003. Visit http://www.socialstudies.org/awards for more information.

Defense of Academic Freedom Award
Recognizes and honors those who have distinguished themselves in defending the principles of academic freedom in specific controversies, in fostering academic freedom through advocacy, and in defending or advocating the freedom to teach and learn.  Submission deadline is March 21, 2003.  Award recipients will receive $1,500, a commemorative gift, and a presentation session at the annual conference.  Visit http://www.socialstudies.org/awards for more information.

Spirit of America Award
Recognizes an individual in or out of the social studies profession who has made a significant or special contribution, which exemplifies the American democratic spirit.  A commemorative gift and presentation session at the annual NCSS conference will be given to the winner.  Deadline is March 21, 2003. Visit http://www.socialstudies.org/awards for more information.

NCSS and Keizai Koho Center Fellowships
Ten U.S. and Canadian social studies educators will be selected to visit Japan in July 2003 as guests of the Keizai Koho Center (Japan Institute for Social and Economic Affairs).  Fellows will have the opportunity to meet with government officials, educators, and business people; visit schools; and enjoy Japan’s scenic beauty and cultural treasures while pursuing an understanding of the problems and successes of contemporary Japanese society.  Fellows will complete a project of curriculum materials or educational activities related to the theme of the fellowship and share these with other educators.  The KKC fellowship program is open to K-12 classroom teachers of social studies, history, social sciences, and business; as well as school administrators and teacher educators.  Applications are due March 15, 2003.  More information will be posted at www.socialstudies.org/keizaikoho.

Robert H. Michel Civic Education Grants
The Dirksen Congressional Center invites applications for grants to help teachers, curriculum developers, and others improve the quality of civics instruction, with priority on the role of Congress in our federal government. Areas of interest include designing lesson plans, creating student activities, and applying instructional technology in the classroom. Teachers (grades 4-12), community and junior college faculty, and college and university faculty are eligible, as are teacher-led student teams and individuals who develop curriculum. Priority will be given to the following disciplines: history, government, social studies, political science, and education. Institutions and organizations are not eligible. Inter-institutional consortia and other groups of individuals may apply, but grant funds may not be used to defray indirect costs or overhead expenses. The funds are intended solely to produce “deliverables” of use to classroom teachers. Preliminary proposals may be submitted at any time. To be considered, all application materials must be received by the first of the month in which selections are made. Complete information about eligibility and application procedures may be found at: www.dirksencenter.org. 

Keenan Institute Grants
The Kennan Institute offers short-term grants to scholars who demonstrate a particular need to use the library, archival, and other specialized resources in the Washington, DC area. Academic participants must either possess a doctoral degree or be doctoral candidates who have nearly completed their dissertations. For nonacademics, an equivalent degree of professional achievement is expected. Short-term grants provide a stipend. The Kennan Institute cannot provide office space or computer support for these scholars. No application form is required. Instead, applicants are requested to submit a concise description (700 to 800 words) of their research project, a curriculum vita, a statement on preferred dates of residence in Washington, DC, and two letters of recommendation specifically in support of the research to be conducted at the institute. Grant recipients are required to be in residence in Washington, DC, for the duration of their grant. Closing dates are March 1 and June 1. Applicants are notified of the competition results approximately six weeks after the closing date. For more information, contact Fellowships and Grants, Kennan Institute, One Woodrow Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004-3027; 202-691-4100 (phone), 202-691-4247 (fax), or kiars@wwic.si.edu (e-mail).

Let it Shine
Let it Shine, an expense paid professional development program for improving the teaching of African American history and culture, is now recruiting teams of teachers for their Summer 2003 program. The goal of Let it Shine is to establish a national network of classroom teachers and educators who want to develop and share best practices, especially at the elementary and middle school level, for teaching African American history and culture. The national conference will occur June 20-28, 2003 in Durham, NC. Educators selected for participation will receive round-trip travel, a stipend, seminars and lectures conducted by nationally known scholars of the African American experience and books and educational resources for self education and classroom use. For more information please visit their web site, www.thomasday.net or call (919) 405-2326.

EDS Technology Grants
The EDS Technology Grant program helps schoolteachers of children ages 6 through 18 purchase information technology products and services that will improve their students' ability to learn. Grants of $1,500 are awarded each year to teachers worldwide through a competitive application process.  The grants are awarded to teachers through their schools. Grants must be used to pay for technology products, training and services not provided to the teacher by the school or the school district. Examples of qualified grant expenditures include, but are not limited to, computer software and hardware; multimedia equipment such as digital cameras and Web-Cams, CD-ROM libraries, scanners and video boards; modems, Internet access, and technical training. Application deadline: January 17, 2003. http://eds.com/community_affairs/com_tech_grants_03.shtml

Asia and Pacific Studies Institute: Scholarships for High School Students
Iowa high school students are invited to apply to the Asia and Pacific Studies Institute (APSI) being offered June 15-20, 2003, on the campus of the University of Iowa. The institute is an opportunity for students to enrich their understanding of the Asia-Pacific region. During APSI, they will examine key historical and contemporary events in the Asia-Pacific region. Those events will include China's recovery from its Century of Humiliation (1839-1949) to its growing role in the international political and economic system and Japan's emergence as a modern nation during the Meiji period through its post-WWII transformation. Additionally, students will explore how other Asian nations have responded to the opportunities and challenges of modernity. Students will complete readings, interact with guest lecturers interview a panel of Asian students, view documentaries and a feature film, participate in class discussions, and take field trips to the University of Iowa Museum of Art and a local Asian restaurant. 

Each student selected for the Asian & Pacific Studies Institute (APSI) will become a Freeman Scholar and receive a $500 Freeman Scholarship that covers the majority of the Institute's costs. These scholarships are awarded for exceptional merit. Each student will pay a fee of $100 to cover the remaining costs. Together, the Freeman Scholarship and student fee cover all of the instructional costs, room, board, books, and admission to all regularly scheduled activities. Students and their families will assume responsibility for transportation to and from the Institute and incidental expenses, such as souvenirs and snacks. Consideration for financial aid, in addition to the Scholarship, will be made after the students are selected. Financial aid forms and other information will be sent to accepted students in March 2003. For application information, go to the Belin-Blank Center Web site: http://www.uiowa.edu/~belinctr and click on “Scholarship Programs.”

Pre-Collegiate Summer Program in Early American History
High school juniors and seniors are invited to participate in the second annual summer program in early American history at the College of William and Mary.  Historians, archaeologists, curators, and museum education specialists will work with the students to provide an exceptional study of colonial and revolutionary America.  On-site study sessions will be held, as well as tours of the historical sights in the area.  The program will run from June 29 to July 26.  The cost is $4,462.  Both full and partial scholarships are available.  Anyone who would like more information may email the program at precol@wm.edu or call Mrs. Carolyn Whittenburg, Director, at 757-221-7652.  A detailed description of the program is also available at www.wm.edu/niahd/precollegiate.

Amazon Rainforest Workshop in Teacher Leader Development 
Enter to win a $1000 scholarship for a lifetime experience! The Amazon Rainforest Workshop July 7-16, 2003 is a professional development opportunity for teachers to work side-by-side with scientists in one of the most biologically diverse environments in the world.  Full land cost for the workshop is $1948. Academic credit through NC
State University, budget airfare, optional Andes extensions, and Inca
Trail Expedition July 16-25, 2003 are available. Scholarship drawing entry is simple. Deadline is March 8, 2003. Application form is at: http://www.travel2learn.com.  For further workshop and funding information check this web site, call Frances Gatz 800-669-6806, or email: fgatz@earthlink.net

Fulbright Teacher and Administrator Exchange Program
The Fulbright Teacher and Administrator Exchange Program provides international opportunities for K-12, two-year, and four-year college faculty and administrators.  For the 2003-04 program year, there are more than 30 countries offering teacher exchanges and 11 countries offering administrative exchanges.  For more information, visit www.fulbrightexchanges.org or contact Fulbright Teacher and Administrator Exchange Program, 600 Maryland Ave, SW, Suite 320, Washington, D.C. 20024.

Smithsonian Study Tours
Smithsonian Study Tours has collaborated with Rhode Island-based tour operator Collette Vacations to create a collection of travel packages called “Museum Lover’s Vacations.”  The 350 non-escorted packages are designed for travelers who want to experience, on their own, some of the world’s most spectacular cities and museums at a great value.  Packages can be purchased with or without airfare.  The tours are short excursions of four or five days and feature visits to major museums in desirable destinations, such as Paris, Amsterdam, London, and Montreal.  Participants also receive a complimentary one-year Smithsonian membership and a free one-year subscription to its magazine.  For vacation and reservation information, call 1-888-260-2592, or visit www.ColletteVacations.com/smithsonian.

International Research Expeditions
University Research Expeditions Program (UREP) at the University of California, Davis, offers expeditions to Venezuela, Belize, Chile, Kenya, Israel, Hungary, Spain, Nepal, India, Turkey, Argentina, South Africa, Indonesia, Ecuador, Malawi, Russia, the United States, and Canada.  For more information, contact UREP, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 or http://urep.ucdavis.edu.

Educators to China
The nonprofit Chinese-American Cultural Bridge Center (CACBC) has created a trip designed especially for educators.  Not only will participants experience the geography, history, culture, economics, government, and technology of China firsthand, but they will also be given background information and instructional materials to bring China alive in their classrooms.  Participants will have opportunities to meet with Chinese educators, and share ideas and information with each other on this 15-day journey.  The cost is $3,250, including airfare from California, four-star hotels, all meals, transportation, guide, and sight seeing.  Tentative dates are set for June 15 to July 8, 2003.  For details, visit www.cacbc.org/go/explorechina.

London Summer Teachers Institute
Cruise the Thames! Tour historic London! Visit British schools! You can do it all! Earn six graduate credits in a 4-week program in London at London Metropolitan University, sponsored by the State University of New York College at Cortland. Participants may choose from two tracks: Cultures and Communities in London or The Arts in Education. Both options are appropriate for both elementary and secondary teachers. Program dates are early July to early August. For more information please contact: SUNY Cortland Office of International Programs B-15 Old Main PO BOX 2000 Cortland, NY 13045 phone: (607) 753-2209 fax: (607) 753-5989 email: studyabroad@cortland.edu web: www.studyabroad.com/suny/cortland. 

U.S.-China Teachers Exchange Program Seeking Applicants
The National Committee on United States-China Relations is now seeking applications for an Exchange program for teachers in American and Chinese schools. This is a unique opportunity for schools and districts wishing to begin or to strengthen Chinese language and culture programs and for teachers wishing to live and teach in China.  The application deadline for the 2003-2004 school year is March 14, 2003.  The National Committee pays the salary of the visiting Chinese teachers and the transportation of the American teachers. Participating American schools continue the salary and benefits of the American teachers during their exchange year in China. The National Committee sponsors orientation programs in the U.S. and in China during the summer before the exchange year.  For more information about the Teachers Exchange Program, please write to the Teachers Exchange Program at the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, 71 West 23rd Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10010-4102.  Interested teachers may also learn more about the program from our website: www.ncuscr.org , Teachers Exchange Program, National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, 71 West 23rd Street, Suite 1901, New York, NY 10010, or an e-mail message to: mlandman@ncuscr.org for more information and an application package.

83rd NCSS Annual Conference Call for Proposals
The National Council for the Social Studies is soliciting presentations for our 2003 Annual Conference in Chicago, Illinois, November 14-16.  This conference will focus on the content, essential knowledge, critical issues, and creative teaching that are central to social studies education.  The clinics, sessions, activities on and off site, and speakers will be organized around the themes of democracy, freedom, and patriotism; “The Power of One: Making a Difference in a Changing World” is the theme for the Chicago conference.  Proposals must be postmarked by February 1, 2003.  Visit the NCSS website for more details and official forms, www.socialstudies.org.

Canadian Social Studies Call for Manuscripts
Canadian Social Studies, Canada’s national referred journal for K through university is seeking social studies articles of Canadian and general interest.  Topics on classroom activities, theory, and research are welcomed.  For more information, contact the editor, Dr. Joe Kirman, at joe.kirman@ualberta.ca.

CITE Call for Papers
Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education Journal is accepting submissions relating to current issues in social studies and technology education.  Articles in this category should relate to the conceptual or theoretical uses of technology in social studies.  Articles may also address significant policy and practice issues.  Authors may submit manuscripts on-line at www.citejournal.org.  For more information, contact the editors: John K. Lee at jklee@virginia.edu, David Hicks at hicks@vt.edu, or Michael Berson at berson@tempest.coedu.usf.edu.

Social Education Instructional Technology Editors Seek Manuscripts
Michael J. Berson and Cheryl L. Mason Bolick are serving as the editors of the instructional technology section of Social Education.  They invite the submission of articles that focus on innovative uses of technology in the social studies classroom.  Manuscripts should adhere to the guidelines that appear on the NCSS web page under the publications link.  Please send manuscripts as email attachments and hard copies to both editors: Cheryl L. Mason Bolick, Ph.D., Peabody Hall CB #3500, School of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599; clmason@unc.edu; and Michael J. Berson, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Social Science Education, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Ave., EDU 162, Tampa, FL 33620; berson@tempest.coedu.usf.edu.

Rouge Forum Call for Articles
The Rouge Forum News publishes material from K-12 students, parents, teachers, and community members struggling for equality and democracy in schools, and welcomes essays/articles (intended to inform or educate, or stories from the classroom or community), art, cartoons, photos, and poetry.  For more information send an email inquiry to rougeforum@pipeline.com or rumbagardan@ameritech.net.

Great Lakes Regional Conference
April 10-12, 2003
This year’s Great Lakes Regional Conference will be held in the Hyatt Regency in Cincinnati, OH.  The theme will be “Celebrating and Commemorating Milestones in History.”  Contact Vicki Knauff for more information: 135 N. High St., Hillsboro, OH 45133, (937) 382-1411.  Exhibitors contact Jim Sheehan for more information: 7825 Hoover Rd., Athens, OH 45701, (216) 687-4666.

Professional Development Opportunity From the Dirksen Center
Do you have a lesson plan idea? The Dirksen Center currently offers a library of lesson plans posted on CongressLink -- http://www.congresslink.org/LessonPlanIntro.htm -- and is seeking new lessons to publish and expand its library. The Dirksen Center will pay
between $100 and $350 to teachers who submit approved lesson plans using CongressLink resources and features and who follow a few guidelines. While the Constitution addresses only the relationship between the federal government and the states, the American people are under multiple jurisdictions. Students could make conscious value judgments based on clearly defined criteria about these multiple jurisdictions.  If you are interested in creating a lesson that teaches about federalism or have other lesson plan ideas, contact Frank Mackaman at: fmackaman@dirksencenter.org.

CJH Teacher Workshops
The Center for Jewish history (CJH) will be holding two workshops aimed primarily at teachers of social studies and literature in middle and high schools.  “A Case Study in Immigrant America” will be held Wednesday, February 12, 2003, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  “Family History as American History” will be held Wednesday, January 8, 2003 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Workshops will be held in the Center for Jewish History, New York, New York.  The workshops are free and are recognized for new teachers’ accreditation.  For more information, contact the Genealogy Institute, Center for Jewish History, 15 W. 16th St., New York, NY 10011.

2003 Joint History Conference
The American Historical Association, the Organization of American Historians, and the National Council for the Social Studies plan to jointly sponsor in June 2003 a national history conference, “Innovations in Collaboration: A School-University Model to Enhance History Teaching, K-16.”  The sponsoring organizations seek to showcase collaborations that have promoted new venues for professional development, dynamic curriculum designs, and instructional practices that engage students in the pursuit of a richer understanding of the United States and world history.  More information will be provided on the NCSS website (www.socialstudies.org) as it becomes available.

Each One, Reach One
With Each One, Reach One you can make NCSS a stronger organization.  Just recruit new members by March 15 and you’ll be eligible to receive two free airline tickets to anywhere in the continental United States.  Each time a new membership is sent to us listing you as the sponsor, your name will be placed into a drawing for the free tickets.  It’s critical that you include your name and your NCSS membership number on the membership brochure or letter requesting membership from the new member.  A winner will be chosen in Spring 2003 and announced in the NCSS newsletter.

Minnesota Council for the Social Studies
The Minnesota Council for the Social Studies annual conference will be held March 6-7, 2003, in the Thunderbird Hotel in Bloomington, MN.  Contact Jerry Benson for more information: 210 E. Vets, Luverne, MN 56156, (507) 283-4491.

“Leadership and Life in Revolutionary America”
Monticello, Stratford Hall Plantation, and the University of Virginia are sponsoring a summer seminar on “Leadership and Life in Revolutionary America,” June 22 to July 11, 2003.  Principal “classrooms” will be Jefferson’s Monticello and the Lees’ Stratford Hall Plantation, but many historic sites will be visited.  The program is open to social studies teachers K-12 who are active full time in the classroom.  Six semester graduate credits from the University of Virginia will be conferred upon successful completion of the seminar.  Included are room, board, and textbooks.  Applications can be made online at www.stratfordhall.org.  Applications are due March 1, 2003.

International Studies Schools Association Annual Conference
The second annual ISSA conference will be held February 13-16 2003 at the Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel and Conference Center in Kerrville, TX, just outside of San Antonio.  Clinics highlighting content and resources will be provided by the experienced outreach coordinators of Hemispheres at the University of Texas at Austin: Center for Asian Studies, Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies, Center for Middle Eastern Studies, and the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies.  This professional development experience is free for ISSA members.  To become an ISSA member or register for the conference, visit www.du.edu/issa.

Paradise, Pottage and Potions: the Medieval Gardens
Paradise, Pottage and Potions: the Medieval Garden, 6 July–1 August 2003 (4 weeks, at Penn State Univ.), an NEH summer institute for schoolteachers, directed by Vickie Ziegler, Center for Medieval Studies, Penn State Univ., 409 S Burrowes Bldg, University Park, PA 16802, and Martin McGann, Horticulture, Penn State Univ., (Submit inquiries to: 814-863-7484; VLZ1@psu.edu). More information on our website: http://www.psu.edu/dept/medieval/teachers.html. 

Supreme Court Summer Institute
Street Law and the Supreme Court Historical Society will sponsor the annual Supreme Court Summer Institute in two sessions for 2003: June 12-17and June 19-24. The institute is open to secondary teachers of law, government, and social studies. Participants will spend five stimulating days on Capitol Hill and inside the Supreme Court learning about the Court, its current and past cases, and how to teach about them from top Supreme Court litigators, scholars, and educators. We will be in the Court to hear the Justices announce the final decisions of the term, get a chance to debate leading cases with prominent liberal and conservative commentators, discuss media coverage of the Court with a newspaper reporter who covers the Court, and attend a private reception at the Court hosted by a Justice. For full information and to download an application, go to www.streetlaw.org/scipage.html or email scsi@streetlaw.org.  Applications and letters of reference must be postmparked by March 21, 2003.

Eisenhower Academy
The Eisenhower Academy, a summer institute for teachers, will be held July 13 - 18, 2003 at Gettysburg College and Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg, PA. Sponsored by the National Park Service, Gettysburg College, and Mount St. Mary's College, the Academy presents an in-depth perspective of Dwight D. Eisenhower as president and world leader, and introduces effective strategies for teaching the Cold War era in the classroom. Lectures and discussion cover civil rights, the Cold War, 1950's economics, popular culture, and new scholarship on the Eisenhower Presidency. Field trips include a visit to the Eisenhowers' home. Participants have the opportunity to interview Eisenhower friends and family members, and become familiar with primary source documents, film, video footage, and the Internet as research tools. Total cost, including field trips, special evening events, lodging and all meals is $ 485 for single occupancy. Cost for day students is $ 280. Pennsylvania professional education credits and graduate credits are available. For more information contact Eisenhower Academy, 250 Eisenhower Farm Lane, Gettysburg, PA 17325; 717-338-9114 (phone), john_joyce@nps.gov (e-mail), or www.nps.gov/eise/instit.htm (web).

2003 Summer Seminars and Institutes for K-12 Teachers
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) announces 2003 Summer Seminars and Institutes for K-12 Teachers.  All teachers selected to participate will be awarded a stipend of $2800/$3250/$3700 (depending on the length of the 4-6 week program) to help cover travel costs, books and research and living expenses.  Seminars/Institutes relating to Latin America/Spain/Latino topics include: Reading Don Quijote (Binghamton University, NY), The Outsider: Picaresque Variations in Narrative and Film
> (Vanderbilt University, TN), Derrumbando Fronteras: Integrating Mexican American and Latino Literatures into the Secondary Classroom (UT at San Antonio, TX), The Magical Reality of Oaxaca (in Spanish for K-8 teachers, held in Oaxaca) (Columbia University Teachers College, NY).  A full list of the 31seminars and institutes, as well as information on how to apply can be found at: www.neh.gov. Application deadline: March 1, 2003.

NEH 2003 Summer Institutes
Superb opportunities for deep study, collaboration and curriculum develop lie waiting for you to claim. The National Endowment for the Humanities offers 28 separate Summer Seminars and Summer Institutes at universities all over the US. K-12 teachers, administrators and librarians receive $2,800 - $3,700 stipends for travel and expenses. Sometimes institutes are followed by international travel or more in-depth projects the following summer. Check out the full web site at http://www.neh.gov/projects/si-school.html. Please send or e-mail a request for application information and expanded project descriptions to the seminar and institute directors listed here. When doing so, please include your regular mailing address since directors may send application material through the mail. You may request information about as many projects as you like, but you may apply to no more than one project. The application deadline is March 1, 2003.  Sample institutes listed below.

Kenya: Continuity & Change (6 weeks), University of Arkansas at Monticello E-mail: corby@uamont.edu.

Everyday Maps: Historical and Teaching Perspectives (4 weeks) The Newberry Library, Chicago IL E-mail: hanfs@newberry.org http://www.newberry.org/K12/everydaymaps.html

Native Voices: Self and Society through American Indian Autobiography (5 weeks), Saskatchewan Indian Fed. College staff, at Kenyon College, Ohio E-mail: Wortman@kenyon.edu.

Journals of the Lewis & Clark Expedition: From the Pacific Ocean to St.
Louis (4 weeks), Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, E-mail: carriker@gonzaga.edu.

Holocaust & Humanity in the 21st Century (5 weeks) University of Wisconsin-Madison E-mail: mfbernarddon@facstaff.wisc.edu.

The 19th Annual Write Women Back Into History Essay Contest
March 2003 will be designated as Women’s History Month by the Governor, the Iowa
Senate and House of Representatives, President George W. Bush, and the United States Congress, and celebrated in hundreds of communities and thousands of classrooms in a nationwide observance. The 2003 theme is Women Pioneering the Future. To give students a deeper and more relevant appreciation of women’s roles in history, the
Iowa Commission on the Status of Women, the Iowa Department of Education, and the State Historical Society of Iowa are sponsoring the annual statewide essay contest, Write Women Back Into History, for students in grades 6-9. This year’s theme incorporates both pioneering women from history, who led and won struggles for equality and civil rights, created and advanced educational and professional opportunities, and made great contributions to the arts, sciences, and humanistic causes, and innovative women of today who further these efforts and continue to expand the frontiers of possibility for generations to come.  Students are encouraged to write about the accomplishments in the life of a woman who has made a difference to them and to society. (Essays about Iowa women are encouraged.)We encourage classes to get an early start so that there is plenty of time for students to write the essays and for teachers to choose and submit the winning nominee from each class. All essays must be postmarked by Friday, January 24, 2003.  Each finalist will receive a certificate signed by the Governor. The winning essays will be recognized and prizes will be awarded at a ceremony in the State Capitol during Women’s History Month. All winners’ names will be released to the press; a special effort will be made to inform students’ local media of their honor. Sponsor teachers of winning essays will receive classroom resources. Finally, whether or not you choose to participate in the essay contest, we would like you to know of the abundance of curriculum materials available from the National Women’s History Project, 3343 Industrial Drive #4, Santa Rosa CA 95403-2060, 707/636-2888, nwhp@aol.com, or www.nwhp.org. 
Official 2003 Entry Form:
(Attach a copy of this form to the back side of the original entry and each of the two copies.)
Student’s Name Grade
Student’s Home Address
Student’s Phone #
Student’s Email Address
School’s Name/Address
School’s Phone # School’s Fax #
Teacher’s First and Last Name
Teacher’s Email Address
Name of Woman Featured in Essay
Name/Address of Local Newspaper
State Senator (not U.S.) State Representative (not U.S.)
Send three copies to: Iowa Commission on the Status of Women,
Department of Human Rights, Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319 

Model Descriptors for the Iowa Teaching Standards and Criteria
The Iowa Department of Education has posted model descriptors to support the Iowa Teaching Standards and Criteria to its web page. These model descriptors depict behaviors or information that could be evidenced to support the validation of the Iowa Teaching Standards and Criteria. These descriptors are not mandatory but are meant to assist educators as they think about the standards and criteria "in action."  They could also help individuals think of the type of evidence that could be documented for evaluations and career movement under the Teacher Quality legislation. As evaluation models are developed at the local level, it will be determined whether or not to use these or other descriptors for the Iowa Teaching Standards and Criteria. These descriptors can be found at:
http://www.state.ia.us/educate/ecese/tqt/tc/doc/mdsitsc0209.doc

Voting and Elections: The Expansion of Suffrage Web Sites
It is a citizen's responsibility in a democratic society to vote in elections. Large numbers of Americans were denied this right for many years. If you are looking for resources that will help your students track the expansion of voting rights in America, you will want to visit The Dirksen Center's Web site -- http://www.dirksencongressionalcenter.org.

The Constitution -- http://www.congresslink.org/resourc.html -- specifies responsibility for setting residency requirements and other qualifications for voting to the states. In the late 18th century, for example, some states limited the right to vote to white male property owners - poor white men, women, and slaves were excluded.

Amending the Constitution would be one way to change suffrage requirements. How does one go about doing that? A CongressLink lesson plan - "Amending the Constitution" -- http://www.congresslink.org/lessonplans/amends.html -- will give you
good ideas.

In the late 19th century, such leaders as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton started the long campaign for women's suffrage, which culminated in the 19th amendment (1920). Find "Charters of Freedom" on AboutGovernment at: http://www.aboutgovernment.org/electionsvoting.htm.

The Women's Suffrage Movement highlighted a time in America when women spoke up and demanded the right to vote. Test your knowledge about the suffrage movement era from 1848 to 1928 by taking one of three different online multiple-choice quizzes. Find "Suffrage Movement and the Amendments" at:
http://www.congressforkids.net/games/amendments/2_amendments.htm.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 completed another chapter in the struggle to guarantee the right to vote to all citizens. For a summary, see "A Case History: The 1964 Civil Rights Action - Historical Pressure for Legislative Action at: http://www.congresslink.org/civil/essay.html#history.

Senator Robert Byrd, the unofficial historian of the Senate, described the tactics used in the unsuccessful filibuster against the Civil Rights Act of 1964, an effort to restrict the right to vote for minorities -- http://www.congresslink.org/notes.html#byrd.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 took further steps. Read a brief overview of the circumstances leading to the passage of the act, including links to historical documents found in Everett Dirksen's Papers at: http://www.congresslink.org/voting1965.htm.

Educational Extension Systems Publications for the year 2003
Educational Extension Systems, a small publishing company, has been producing publications for the educational and business markets since 1982 and has established an excellent reputation and has gained wide acceptance for its writings in world cultures and ethnic cultures in North America.  The EES publications for the year 2003 are now available.  The 2003 World Calendar: multicultural and multilingual instruction aid developed in six languages within one publication; the 2003 Ethnic Cultures of America Calendar: illustrates and identifies 106 ethnic groups and shows them celebrating their ethnicity through cultural and religious holidays; the 2003 Cultural and Festival Days of the World Poster: contains a listing of holidays by month, by date, by name of holiday, and the country of the world in which it is being celebrated; the Ethnic Cultures of America Reference Book: offers essential ethnic cultural information delineating what educators (at all levels) need to know for effective teaching in today’s multicultural and ethnically diverse society; and Religion and Ethnicity: reference to help administrators and professionals better understand and accommodate the spiritual lives of their students and workers.  For prices and ordering information call 1-800-447-8561.

Navigating Religion in the Classroom
The "sacred public school," with the Protestant Bible as its centerpiece, prevailed in U.S. public education through the 19th century. But a turn-of-the-century push to remove all religious instruction from the public schools left just a few vestiges of the Protestant school model -- devotional Bible readings and organized prayer -- remaining as the 20th
century emerged. Then cultural shifts of the mid-20th century and court decisions of the 1960s altered the model further, and public schools became viewed erroneously as places where religion was not addressed.  Worried that they might be perceived as endorsing religious viewpoints, many teachers shied away from even legitimate lessons on the role of religious leaders or religious thought in history and culture. Publishers were squeamish as well. Now, the picture is changing once again. This article highlights new thinking on the role of religion in the classroom and offers four general guidelines for educators: (1) focus on studies about religion, not the practice of religion; (2) be academic, not devotional; (3) strive for student awareness of religions, but not press for student acceptance of any religion; (4) expose students to a diversity of religious views, but not
impose any particular view.  http://www.nea.org/neatoday/0211/cover.html

CitizenshipCentral
Become a part of the growing citizenship education movement by contributing your link, lesson plan, or article to CitizenshipCentral, the new web resource for effective citizenship from National Council for the Social Studies.  With special sections for educators, students, parents, and policymakers, CitizenshipCentral provides information and resources for every participant in the continuing American Experiment.  Contribute to CitizenshipCentral today.  You’ll help create effective citizens tomorrow.  www.citizenshipcentral.org

Social Studies Web Sites
· A new web site focusing on the evolution of America’s national symbols and patriotism can be found at www.geobop.com/symbols/world/na/us.  The site features approximately 40 pages and is being refined and expanded.

· NYTimes.com and NPR have launched Justice Learning, a civics education web site for high school students and teachers based on NPR’s radio program Justice Talking.  The web site, www.justicelearning.org uses content from Justice Talking and related lesson plans and articles from the New York Times Learning Network (http://nytimes.com/learning), a free service for teachers, parents, and students in grades 3-12. 

· “Global Connections: Putting World Events in Context,” www.pbs.org/globalconnections, provides background information designed to help educators and others understand events occurring in the Middle East.  Visitors can browse six background essays that address themes such as the politics, culture, or economics of the Middle East, while six Connecting Questions help visitors look at issues that cut across themes and time.

· Students can view thematic maps in American FactFinder at www.census.gov and locate answers to their questions about populations and census information in the United States.