2007 Resolutions

• Drafted at the Summer Leadership Institute, July 28, 2007

1. INCREASING AWARDS NOMINATIONS

• Supported by: Connecticut and New England History Teachers Association
• Co-Sponsors: California, Oregon, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Mexico, New York State, Texas

WHEREAS: All state and regional councils have outstanding teachers and teaching programs and;

WHEREAS: Few nominations are received for most of the NCSS National Awards and;

WHEREAS: Some nominations do not meet NCSS minimum requirements when they are submitted and;

WHEREAS: Some councils never submit nominations;

BE IT RESOLVED: that NCSS will encourage and assist state and regional councils in significantly increasing their applications for NCSS awards

• by creating a liaison with each council represented in the House of Delegates who will be responsible for publicizing, soliciting and mentoring their state award winners or programs of excellence
• by submitting articles throughout the year about NCSS winners and criteria for each award to individual state/regional newsletter editors and encouraging them to publicize awards
• by encouraging states to recognize their state award winners at their state and regional conferences
• by offering a training session for liaisons at the Houston 2008 NCSS, led by Awards committee members
• by putting the videos of some of the Awards of Excellence on line for potential applicants and other teachers to view
• by soliciting other ideas from the House of Delegates, the NCSS Board of Directors and state leadership for increasing applications of all NCSS Programs of Excellence.

2. SUPPORT FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE FIRST TIMER’S SCHOLARSHIP FUND

• Supported by: Arkansas, Middle States, South Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Texas, ATSS/UFT-NYC, Missouri, Connecticut, Virginia
• Co-Sponsors: Tennessee, New Jersey, Oregon, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Mexico, New York State, Texas

RATIONAL: In 2007, NCSS instituted the First Timer’s Scholarship Fund with the intent to enable teachers from diverse ethnic groups and/or who teach in high-poverty schools to take advantage of the NCSS National Conference, a premier professional development opportunity.

WHEREAS: NCSS recognizes that diversity adds to the strength of the organization and;

WHEREAS: NCSS has a historic commitment to diverse membership and;

WHEREAS: the institutionalization of the First Timer’s Scholarship Fund confirms NCSS’s values and;

WHEREAS: communication of NCSS’s commitment to attract diverse members through this scholarship should be wide spread;

BE IT RESOLVED: that NCSS institutionalize its support for the First Timer’s Scholarship Fund to attract first time attendees to the NCSS National Conference

3. ON-DEMAND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• • • Supported by: Washington, Michigan, Texas * Co-Sponsors: Oregon, Connecticut, Wisconsin, New York State, Texas

RATIONALE: NCSS professional development initiatives serve an increasingly diverse community that demands excellence at a cost effective price point. New technologies and nationwide interest in on-demand, anytime, anywhere professional development compels NCSS to seek partnerships and develop digital tools for the 21st century.

WHEREAS: The National Council for the Social Studies serves teachers in every state, district, and school in the United States and;

WHEREAS: the National Council for the Social Studies has relied on traditional delivery systems for its professional development products and;

WHEREAS: the National Council for the Social Studies professional development products are an underused resource that generates a modest revenue stream and;

WHEREAS: the National Council for the Social Studies and other organizations have common if not universal goals to support school improvement, accomplished social studies teaching, and student success and;

WHEREAS: there are proven and effective models for distance learning and online professional development and;

WHEREAS: preK-12 social studies teachers deserve and desire an array of options and opportunities for on-demand professional development from exemplary scholars and master teachers that reflects current research and best practice;

BE IT RESOLVED: The National Council for the Social Studies convene a body to research, design, implement, and evaluate online, anytime, anywhere professional development programs for effective social studies instruction in an era of standards based learning and high stakes testing.

4. TRAINING FOR LEGISLATIVE LIASONS AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE

• Supported by: Colorado, California, Maryland, Oklahoma, Prince George’s County
• Co-Sponsors: Oregon, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Wisconsin,

New Mexico, Texas

RATIONALE: The current National Council for the Social Studies body is in need of knowledgeable members to serve as legislative liaisons that identify and monitor critical issues and engage in pro-active media and public relations in a timely manner as they relate to educational policy and programs that impact Social Studies education on the local, state and national levels.

WHEREAS: It is imperative for state and local affiliates to coordinate communication between the affiliates and NCSS regarding critical issues concerning social studies education and;

WHEREAS: Training is essential to the creation of effective legislative liaisons to identify and monitor critical issues and engage in pro-active media and public relations in a timely manner as they relate to educational policy and programs that impact Social Studies education on the local, state and national levels;

BE IT RESOLVED: NCSS should provide training sessions for legislative liaisons at the annual conference facilitated by NCSS staff.

5. NCSS TO ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF LEGISLATIVE LIASONS AT THE AFFILIATE LEVELS

• Supported by: Colorado, California, Maryland, Oklahoma, Prince George’s County
• Co-Sponsors: Oregon, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Wisconsin,

New Mexico, Texas

RATIONALE: The current National Council for the Social Studies body is in need of a structure and process to identify and monitor critical issues and engage in pro-active media and public relations in a timely manner as they relate to educational policy and programs that impact Social Studies education on the local, state and national levels.

WHEREAS: It is essential to have a communication between the NCSS and the state and local affiliates on critical issues to support the advancement of Social Studies as they relate to educational policies and;

WHEREAS: It is imperative for state and local affiliates to coordinate communication between the affiliates and NCSS regarding critical issues concerning social studies education;

BE IT RESOLVED: NCSS should encourage and support the establishment of a legislative liaison at the affiliate levels who will monitor critical issues and engage in pro-active media and public relations in a timely manner as they relate to educational policy and programs that impact Social Studies education.

6. TRIAL MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

• Supported by: Florida
• Co-Sponsors: New Mexico, Texas

RATIONALE: A goal of NCSS is to promote participation of under-represented groups. A number of options are being explored to reach out to encourage and develop new members. A common marketing strategy used by other organizations and the private sector are trial memberships.

WHEREAS: Current efforts to target under-representative groups have not achieved desired goals and;

WHEREAS: NCSS wishes to expand the diversity of the membership;

BE IT RESOLVED: That NCSS explore the development of a three month trial membership program for members of the targeted population who are identified by affiliate organizations or nominated by NCSS members.

7. SUPPORT FOR THE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FIRST TIME ATTENDEES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

• Supported by: Arkansas, Middle States, South Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Texas, ATSS/UFT-NYC, Missouri, Connecticut, Virginia
• Co-Sponsors: New Jersey, Oregon, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York State

RATIONALE: In 2007, NCSS instituted the First Timer’s Scholarship Fund to enable teachers from diverse ethnic groups and teachers in high-poverty schools to attend the NCSS National Conference, a premier professional development opportunity. With limited resources at the national level, state councils need to support this program as well.

WHEREAS: NCSS recognizes that diversity adds to the strength of the organization and;

WHEREAS: NCSS has a historic commitment to diverse membership and;

WHEREAS: state councils’ commitment to attract diverse members through scholarships should be wide spread;

BE IT RESOLVED: that NCSS should encourage state and local councils to contribute to the First Timer’s Scholarship Fund and/or institute similar scholarships at a local level in order to attract first time attendees to the NCSS National Conference.

8. SUPPORT FOR INCREASED PRE-SERVICE TEACHER RECRUITMENT

• Supported by: Arkansas, Middle States, South Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Texas, ATSS/UFT-NYC, Missouri, Connecticut, Virginia
• Co-Sponsors: Tennessee, California, Oregon, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Mexico, New York State, Texas

RATIONALE: The membership of NCSS should reflect the changing demographics of American society. Therefore, active recruitment in pre-service social studies teacher education programs should be strengthened and continued.

WHEREAS: NCSS recognizes that diversity adds to the strength of the organization and;

WHEREAS: NCSS has a historic commitment to diverse membership and;

WHEREAS: ethnic minority graduates, urban colleges, and minority organizations frequently enter the teaching profession without being actively recruited into NCSS;

BE IT RESOLVED: that the NCSS Taskforce on Underrepresented Groups actively recruit and initiate partnerships with institutions of higher education to increase membership of people from underrepresented groups.

9. RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CHICAGO 2016 OLYMPICS

• Supported by: Great Lakes Council for the Social Studies; Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Michigan

Co-Sponsor: Connecticut, Wisconsin, Texas

RATIONALE: We recognize the unparalleled educational opportunities provided by hosting the Olympics in the United States to promote NCSS values of diversity, sportsmanship and international understanding. Hosting the Olympics will offer an avalanche of teachable moments to fulfill the role of social studies education in our classrooms and communities.

WHEREAS: Chicago is the official nominee of the United States Olympic Committee to host the Summer Olympic Games in 2016 and;

WHEREAS: no city has been designated as the host for the 2015 NCSS Annual Meeting and;

WHEREAS: we have a unique opportunity to have our 2015 NCSS Annual Meeting in a setting where it can take advantage of the international environment represented by the Olympic games and;

WHEREAS: as social studies professionals, our support for Chicago as the host for the NCSS will encourage its selection as the host of the 2016 Olympics by the International Olympic Committee in 2009;

BE IT RESOLVED: NCSS endorses Chicago’s effort to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games and we encourage the NCSS Convention Committee and Board of Directors to seriously consider selection of Chicago to host the 2015 NCSS Annual Meeting.

10. JOINT MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT

• Supported by: North Carolina, South Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Michigan
• Co-Sponsors: Oregon, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Mexico

RATIONALE: In an effort to increase joint membership, state councils and NCSS would benefit greatly from the exchange of membership database information.

WHEREAS: Sharing membership database will benefit both organizations increasing our advocacy efforts for quality social studies K-16 and;

WHEREAS: There is strength in numbers and;

WHEREAS: Currently, NCSS provides to affiliates a list of state NCSS members only at the time of the affiliation process and;

WHEREAS: Most state councils do not provide NCSS with a usable electronic database to recruit joint members and;

WHEREAS: State councils have limited power compared to the power of a national organization such as NCSS to advocate for quality Social Studies K-16 locally;

BE IT RESOLVED*: NCSS provide state councils with electronic membership information quarterly;

AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED*: State Councils provide NCSS with an electronic copy of State Member database for joint membership recruitment only.

11. SUPPORT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A REVOLVING MEMBERSHIP SYSTEM AND PROCESS

• Supported by: Michigan, Oregon, South Carolina and Tennessee, North Carolina
• Co-Sponsors: Oregon, New Mexico

RATIONALE: The development of a process for enrollment and renewing state membership is more effective if there is a similar

WHEREAS: it is to the advantage of NCSS and State councils to exchange membership database information and;

WHEREAS: It will benefit both organizations and;

WHEREAS: It aids in increasing state membership and;

WHEREAS: As state membership grows so will the ability of states to aid in the growth of NCSS membership;

BE IT RESOLVED: That NCSS provide and aid State Councils in the development of a process that will allow revolving membership enrollment and renewal.

12. NCLB ACTION PLAN FOR NCSS ADVOCACY

• Supported by: California, Middle States, South Carolina
• Co-Sponsors: Tennessee, California, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York State, Texas

RATIONALE: The NCSS Position Statement on NCLB needs to be

• Supported by an action plan, which will assist and guide the NCSS leadership in working with U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senators to draft and pass legislation which modifies NCLB to include social studies.

WHEREAS: the implementation of NCLB has caused a narrowing of the curriculum, which includes a diminished role for Social Studies nationally and across all grade levels and;

WHEREAS: Social Studies education is key to providing our children a civics education and;

WHEREAS: Social Studies provides our Nation’s children with an understanding of the history of our roots in Greek democracy, and the republic of Rome, the governing principles embodied in our Constitution, and our American heritage and;

WHEREAS: Social Studies is essential in building the critical thinking skills needed by all our citizens to address key social issues and;

WHEREAS: Social Studies provides the content knowledge of geography and economics required to prepare students to engage successfully as productive citizens in a global society;

BE IT RESOLVED: that the NCSS Board Leadership will develop proposals for specific changes to NCLB legislation, which will ensure the inclusion of Social Studies in the educational mandates of NCLB.

13. OPPORTUNITIES FOR GREATER ACCESS TO KEYNOTE ADDRESSES

• Supported by: Michigan, Texas, Washington
• Co-Sponsors: Tennessee, California, Oregon, Connecticut, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Texas

RATIONALE: In an effort to expand professional development services to NCSS members, the National Council for the Social Studies should provide access to information from the National Conference through the use of technologies.

WHEREAS: Individual members who are unable to attend the conference will have access to valuable information provided by keynote speakers and;

WHEREAS: Members who do attend will have access that will provide resources for staff development at the local and state levels;

BE IT RESOLVED: NCSS will investigate the logistics of offering streaming video of major keynote addresses from the National Conference to members via the NCSS web-site or other technological means.

14. FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR SOCIAL STUDIES PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Supported by: Illinois

Co-Sponsor: Oregon, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Texas

RATIONALE: Due to continuing challenges impacting the social studies classroom, social studies teachers need to be involved in continuing education and training.

WHEREAS: the federal government has supported professional development in No Child Left Behind and a number of other education-related endeavors and;

WHEREAS: a number of federal laws impact the social studies classroom and teachers and;

WHEREAS: the federal government often has resources beyond what state and local government can provide for Pre K-12 educators and;

WHEREAS: the federal government with a national perspective and economies of scale can support and provide professional development alternatives beyond what is currently available;

LET IT BE RESOLVED: that NCSS encourage Congress to include ample and diverse professional development opportunities with adequate participation incentives and employer support to strengthen the knowledge and skills of teachers.

15. FOSTERING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SOCIAL STUDIES COMMUNITIES

• Supported by: New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois
• Co-Sponsors: California, Oregon, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Mexico, New York State

RATIONALE: Numerous organizations including economic councils, historical councils, geographic alliances, and civic education communities currently exist and independently work toward a common goal. However, the communication between these distinct groups is often inarticulate, informal, or ineffectively shared.

WHEREAS: local and regional institutions such as historical societies, museums, and archives serve as valuable potential resources for social studies educators, and

WHEREAS: multiple and varied positions currently exist and communication between these groups is inconsistent and informal, and

WHEREAS: social studies communities working independently can develop a myopic view to their immediate concerns in the absence of a greater discussion, and

WHEREAS: communication among colleagues is imperative and necessary, and

WHEREAS: national, state, and regional conferences are excellent ways for professionals to communicate and share ideas, and

WHEREAS: it is important that NCSS take a lead role to support and promote national, state and regional conferences, and

WHEREAS: conferences are excellent venues to advance and promote social studies education, and

BE IT RESOLVED: that, in order to improve the quality of social studies teaching and learning in every classroom, the NCSS national, state, regional, local councils and special interest communities relating to social studies, will open a clear dialog between these diverse groups through joint endeavors including conferences, publications, and/or sponsorships to better address a theoretical, practical and standards-based approach to the teaching of social studies.

16. REGIONAL COUNCIL ASSISTANCE TEAMS

• Supported by: Florida

Co-Sponsor: Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Texas

RATIONALE: NCSS has a responsibility to develop and maintain strong affiliate councils

WHEREAS: State organizations have disappeared in several states and;

WHEREAS: Some state organizations are experiencing difficulties in maintaining membership, conducting conferences, producing publications and managing finances;

BE IT RESOLVED: That NCSS encourage the development of regional council assistance teams, by calling on individuals in each region with talent and expertise in key areas of council development to assist states /councils in need of support.

17. IMPACT OF NATIONAL COUNCILS CONFERENCES ON STATE AND REGIONS

• Supported by: Florida
• Co-Sponsors: California, Oregon, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Texas

RATIONALE: It is in the interest of NCSS to have the maximum flexibility in selecting national conference sites. Sites need to be selected on the basis of maximizing opportunities for attendance, exposure to underserved regions, and providing attractive venues.

WHEREAS: The presence of a national conference may have a negative effect on a state or region and;

WHEREAS: Some states or regions refuse or are reluctant to host a national conference;

BE IT RESOLVED: That NCSS Board of Directors explore additional mechanisms to minimize the financial and leadership impact of national conferences on host states or regions.

18. REGIONAL CONFERENCES

• Supported by: Florida
• Co-Sponsors: Wisconsin, New Mexico, Texas

RATIONALE: NCSS has an obligation to provide professional development opportunities to as many members as possible, while maximizing opportunities for revenue enhancement and recruitment

WHEREAS: Conferences provide a major service to membership and serve as a recruiting tool for new members and;

WHEREAS: The National Conference location and cost may preclude the attendance from certain areas of the country and;

WHEREAS: Conferences may serve as a vehicle for recruitment of under-represented groups into NCSS membership;

BE IT RESOLVED: That NCSS explore the possibilities of regional conferences in areas far removed from the location of the National conference when other alternatives do not exist.

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That such offerings include RFP’s to affiliate councils, revenue sharing and promotional assistance.

19. NCSS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION POSITION STATEMENT UPDATE COMMITTEE

• Supported by: Arizona
• Co-Sponsors: California, Oregon, Connecticut, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Texas

RATIONALE: The current NCSS position statement should be reviewed and updated since it was published in June of 1988. New research in the last18 years and an increased focus on the importance of early childhood education nationally compels NCSS to review and develop an updated position statement.

WHEREAS: the National Council for the Social Studies has recommended more outreach to early childhood and elementary education and;

WHEREAS: the National Council for the Social Studies has an outdated position statement regarding early childhood social studies education and;

WHEREAS: the National Council for the Social Studies and other organizations are in the process of reviewing their standards and;

WHEREAS: there is a wealth of recent research concerning how young children learn and their capabilities of learning social studies content, skills and concepts;

BE IT RESOLVED: that the National Council for the Social Studies convene a body to develop a new position statement on social studies for early childhood education.