WCSS 25

This session aims to empower educators to serve as powerful advocates for K-12 civics education at the local, state, and federal level. We'll review the current policy landscape, explore educators' role in policy making, develop action plans and tools for civics advocacy, and put it all to use when we meet directly with legislators and their staff during the afternoon session.

Help us make the case to policy makers that civic learning matters!  We’ll review key data on civics education policy, and head to the Wisconsin Capital. There we will meet with legislators and their staff to share information, hear ideas/concerns, and make the case for strengthening civic learning in Wisconsin schools. The morning workshop is recommended, but not required, for participation in briefing day. The first 10 participants to register and participate in the briefing will receive a free copy of the book "Teachers as Policy Advocates" by May Hara and Annalee Good. Click here to register.

This session combines presentation and discussion about how foundational social studies in K-5 classrooms supports learning in middle/high school. The presenter will highlight what she learned when she set out to have her 7th graders learn the locations of all 50 states on a map, and then seek participant feedback on the implications for elementary level social studies teaching and advocacy.

In this session we will be present on strategies on how to present on topics that many regions consider “forbidden.” We will present on ways to navigate this ideology to meet standards.

Attendees will gain key cultural and historical insights into the Hmong community to address Wisconsin Act 266. As Hmong students, we advocate for our peers and educators to experience content that fosters diversity and cultural awareness. Our goal is for attendees to understand that Hmong history should be taught with authenticity, respect, and care.

This presentation will provide an in-depth discussion about WI Act 31. WI Act 31 is a state law requiring all public school districts and pre-service educator programs to provide instruction on the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of the American Indian nations and tribal communities in Wisconsin. The focus is to help educators and other stakeholders understand and implement WI Act 31.

Supporting and retaining new social studies teachers is vital for fostering student success, strengthening inquiry-based instruction, and promoting civic engagement. Participants will gain an understanding of the overview of this mentorship project, connect with a community of peers, offering guidance based on individual needs and career stages.