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__**Common State Standards in Social Studies (CSS_SS)**__ . The new Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts has a literacy component that will affect social studies teachers in Wisconsin. As we move forward with discussions about __Disciplinary Literacy in Social Studies__ at the state level, I'll share more information on that, as well! At the moment, we have had two large-group multi-disciplinary meetings, and anticipate at least one meeting over the summer with just a social studies group (science will also meet separately). . . As we move into a time period of new standards on the horizon for social studies in Wisconsin, the Department of Public Instruction has entered discussions with 17 other states and 15 content organizations to discuss a common framework of social studies. This is a state-led effort - it is multi-state. It is national, but not federal - Congress and the president have nothing to do with the guidelines we are discussing. . This work is being done through a collaborative under the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). It is not associated with the Common Core State Standards recently released by CCSSO and the National Governor's Association (NGA). The National Council for the Social Studies, along with the other 14 content organizations, wrote a new definition of social studiesin early 2010. This new definition is a guiding point of the CSS_SS work. // “ The social studies is an interdisciplinary exploration of the social sciences and humanities, including civics, history, economics, and geography in order to develop responsible, informed and engaged citizens and to foster civic, global, historical, geographic, and economic literacy.” // // . // On May 18, 2011, EdWeek published an article about the work being done. It outlines the background for the "why", as well as some of the discussions we've had.

This is tough work! How could we possibly meet the needs of multiple states? Well, hold on to your hats - we'll see where we land! . . Common State Standards in Social Studies Q&A . If you have questions or comments, please feel free to drop me a line at kristen.mcdaniel@dpi.wi.gov or (608) 266-2207.