The Social Studies Department teachers have done impressive work under unprecedented circumstances transitioning to virtual learning. The department remains focused on delivering both the content topic and literacy standards outlined in the 2018 Massachusetts Curriculum Framework. Department Teams in United States History I, United States History II World History I, World History II, Civics and Electives have introduced a number of virtual platforms that fully integrate into google classroom and google meet. The list of integrated platforms currently being used includes Edpuzzle, NearPod, ICivics, Docteach, AP Central, New York Times Upfront Infobase-Video on Demand, the Constitution Video series, History Vault, Seterra and Cloud Biography.

Nearpod, the most widely used platform, has allowed teachers to integrate previously created in class content activities into inactive lessons that provide teachers with instant assessment data. The department plans to consistently collaborate and build upon the new skills they are developing this school year. The skills developed here will continue to be used, even when we return in person for teaching and learning.

Social Studies Department Head Brian Patnaude is now a member of the newly created History/Social Science Leaders Network. This network created by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is designed to support educators to advance teaching and learning across the Commonwealth. This network will support leaders to continue the implementation of the Curriculum Framework through the sharing of resources and strategies, connecting leaders across the Commonwealth. Leaders will collaborate around topics such as culturally responsive pedagogy, inquiry of vertical progression of standards, remote learning and news and media literacy. The focus of the network in 2020-21 will be effective and equitable and allow for clear and concise history/social science instruction.