Professional Learning Modules
DPI entered a partnership with CESA #1 in 2023 for a grant focused on the Educating for American Democracy Roadmap and K-5 civics and social studies education. At the time of the grant application, DPI had just finished and was set to release the Wisconsin Social Studies/Civics K-5 Suggested Scope & Sequence, which was written with the Roadmap as a supporting framework. With the support of the grant, CESA #1, DPI, and all CESAs in the state were able to write three modules meant for synchronous or asynchronous learning for K-5 educators. The modules below are made in Articulate, which allows individual users to move through the module at their own pace.
Module 1: Wisconsin Standards for Social Studies, the K-5 Suggested Scope & Sequence, and Civics Practices
Learning Targets for Module 1 include: Connecting classroom lessons to the Wisconsin Social Studies k-12 Standards, reading the new civics scope and sequence documents, understanding the importance and application of the six proven practice of civics education practices, and making connections between these frameworks and current social studies curriculum. This module takes approximately 30 minutes to complete (not including pause times for consideration and reflection).
Module 2: Teaching Civics and Inquiry in the Elementary Grades, Trusted Resources, and Classroom Implementation
Learning Targets for Module 2 include: Describe the inquiry process for teaching (and learning) social studies and identify how it applies to the Wisconsin Standards for Social Studies, identify at least three things to do in the classroom to support students in practicing civil discourse, and locate trusted resources for teaching civics and social studies. This module takes approximately 30 minutes to complete (not including pause times for consideration and reflection).
Module 3: Reading, Writing, and Thinking in the K-5 Civics Classroom
Learning Targets for Module 3 include: articulate the why behind social studies instruction in K-5, reflect on practices that align with social studies instruction, and identify strategies, resources, and tools to facilitate historical thinking. This module takes approximately 30 minutes to complete (not including pause times for consideration and reflection).