Category Archives: Kansas

Recognizing Gold

Don Gifford, historical thinking, Kansas

As we continue the year, we have a guest blog post from Mr. Don Gifford, KSDE Social Studies Coordinator.  gifford

As I travel around the state and work with teachers and curriculum I can’t help but wonder how come our kids struggle so much with the content.  I encounter great teachers every day with great skills and knowledge.  With all of these great teachers how could kids not learn?  I mean to me this stuff is exciting and powerful it generates emotions and energy.  It fills me with a sense of wonder and responsibility.  Continue reading Recognizing Gold →

A Good Case of “Civil Disobedience” & KSDE Update

Brad Burenheide, common core, Don Gifford, history, Kansas, professional development, standards, strategies

We all teach our kids to obey laws and be good citizens whether it be at our home or in our classroom.  Yet, it is important that we also add when it is appropriate to practice civil disobedience.  Most good teachers that I know are quick to teach about MLK, Thoreau, and Gandhi and how their actions spurred the course of civic discourse to address rights (and wrongs) of their fellow citizens and their governments.  Now, we find ourselves amidst a government shut down that seems to be the result of party politics.  I present to you a perfect example of what civil disobedience is.  Of which, you can find the article here.   Continue reading A Good Case of “Civil Disobedience” & KSDE Update →

Celebrate Freedom Week

Cassie Medley, Kansas

With the new law being passed in Kansas turning Constitution Day into a week long event, I have struggled with ideas of how to celebrate Freedom Week in my geography classroom and still fit the lessons into my content.  Luckily, the week coincided with my 5 Themes unit and is a great opportunity for me to give students a first hand experience with the human geography that is an aspect of the theme Place. Continue reading Celebrate Freedom Week →