Two-Column Notes

Date:
9/7/201
6

Name:
Hunter Worstell

Class/Subject:
EDTL 2760

MR Title(s): Ohio Learning Standards, What is Social Studies?

MR Source(s):
Ohio Department of Education. (2010). Ohio's new learning standards: Social
studies standards. Retrieved from
http://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Ohio-s-New-LearningStandards/Social-Studies/SS-Standards.pdf.aspx.

Page #

NCSS, 1

NCSS, 2

National Council for the Social Studies. (1994). What is Social Studies?
Expectations of Excellence: Curriculum Standards for Social Studies. Washington,
DC: NCSS, 1-3.
The Text Says
I Say
Notes (key concepts, direct quotes, etc.)
My notes, commentary
Social studies is the integrated study of the social
sciences and humanities to promote civic
competence.

In the text, the list goes on to what specifically in these

fields social studies encompasses. I feel like an accurate
assessment of what is covered is given in this article, as
well as why it is important. This section is actually one of
the most important, in fact. That is because without social
studies teachers, these kids have no other real model for
becoming a model citizen- which, ironically, is the most
real-life applicable thing we have to offer as educators.
(ironic because one of the largest reasons for the dislike of
history is that students feel it has no use.)

Social studies programs reflect the changing nature

of knowledge, fostering entirely new and highly

I feel that this is something that gets lost to a lot of students,

and must be brought to the forefront, in order to increase

integrated approaches to resolving issues of

significance to humanity

ODE, 4

ODE, 28

Ohios social studies content standards:

Set high expectations and provide strong support for
social studies achievement by all students;
Represent the social studies knowledge and skills
needed to make a successful transition to postsecondary education, the workplace and
civic life;
Are informed by national standards documents;
Balance knowledge, conceptual understanding and
skill development;
Address significant understandings that are the basis
for sound decision-making as citizens;
Focus on important social studies topics;
COURSE SYLLABI: American History
American Government Modern World
History Economics And Financial
Literacy Contemporary World Issues
World Geography

interest in this vital field of study. We must look at the past,

but then bring a lens of the modern world to give context,
insight, and importance to the lessons we teach.
I believe that the NCSS standards and the ODE standards
seem to align quite closely, but the ODE seems to go into
fewer fields than the NCSS describes. The ODE focuses on
History, Government, Geography, and Economics, while the
NCSS covers a great many more, including things like
anthropology, psychology, and sociology. While the ODE
may be a smaller spectrum of topics, I think that the fact
that the lessons will be more specific, relevant, and detailed
is ultimately more important. That being said, the children
should also be exposed to those other things, so if possible
they should be touched on somewhat.
I believe that these courses are pretty important for a high
schooler to be in, which is what they are meant for. Each
one will, in its own way, prepare the student for their future
which will be upon them before they know it. These studies
are essential, and that is agreed upon (though not word for
word) by both outlines of what social studies is.

Connections to previous MR:

The big connection that I can make between these articles and the last MR, is that they really
drive home why Social Studies is important. The future of the kids we teach rests in our hands, so I
really believe that we must make the information we present very intuitive, interesting, and fun. If we
succeed, these kids will remember our class forever, and they will be able to go on as successful young
adults. This content, and these standards are a canvas for us to paint our teaching on- we are the living
midpoint between the students and the content we teach. Additionally, it furthers my point in the
previous set of notes that we as teachers need to do our best in making this subject interesting and
memorable for students, as so much of it sets them up for the future. I have seen my placement

teacher, and the way she teaches is an excellent model for how a classroom could, and should be run.
Shes inspiring to say the least; I hope that someday I can take the standards that we are given and
turn them into half as good a lesson as she can.