Content, Inquiry, Literacy and Civics!
High quality history and civics education is vital to building a more just society and preparing all students to be literate, knowledgeable, and engaged citizens.
In California, the new Framework for History-Social Science outlines a focus on integrating more student inquiry into California’s K-12 classrooms. Calling for instructional shifts that embed deep learning of content, disciplinary literacy, and civics, the Framework offers an opportunity to restructure and revision teaching practice, curricula, and assessment.
As a new regional site for the California History-Social Science Project [CHSSP], The History & Civics Project at UC Santa Cruz provides programs, support, resources, and technical assistance to educators, schools, and districts to support these shifts. Ultimately, we aim to support the region’s educators, schools, and districts in offering engaging, challenging, and significant history and civics curriculum and instruction for all of their students.
Led by Director Daisy Martin, Ph.D., and Professor George Bunch, the Project offers expertise and assistance that integrates multiple areas, including the teaching of English learners, disciplinary literacy and inquiry, meaningful assessment practices, and effective professional development and support. We connect educational practices with up-to-date scholarship through our partnerships with practicing teachers, history Professor Matt O’Hara, and the UC Santa Cruz history and education departments.