8th Grade Social Studies Support: Promoting Adolescents’ Comprehension of Text

Our colleagues at The Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk at UT Austin (parent organization of the Middle School Matters Institute) is seeking to develop partnerships with 8th grade social studies teachers for the 2019-2020 school year.

These teachers will receive FREE LESSON MATERIALS and FREE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.  In addition, teachers will earn a STIPEND ($250 – $500) and receive CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION CREDITS.

We are currently seeking partnerships for the 2019-2020 school year with teachers and schools in:

  • California
  • Florida
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Missouri
  • New York
  • Texas

Professional development will occur either in the summer/early fall of 2019 OR spring/summer of 2020.  Professional development will be scheduled in collaboration with each teacher or school so that it is conducted at a convenient time.

Download our PROJECT OVERVIEW FLYER for more information.

We have limited slots available, so schools and teachers are encouraged to fill out the Interest Form below as soon as possible.

ABOUT THE LESSONS AND MATERIALS

Our researchers have developed a set of research-based lesson materials that integrate PRACTICES TO SUPPORT TEXT READING with social studies content learning.

In previous studies, students, on average, made gains in history knowledge and understanding of key history concepts when compared with other students taught by the same teachers in different sections.  We have confidence that these materials will work with your students, too!

Lesson materials cover three units:  

Learn more about our lesson materials by downloading this information flyer.

Materials are free and come with professional development conducted by our colleagues who have first-hand teaching experience.  This is NOT a curriculum.  The lesson materials OVERLAY YOUR EXISTING CURRICULUM and are ALIGNED WITH STATE STANDARDS.  In addition, lessons do not consume all of the teacher’s class time, leaving plenty of time for teacher preference and local requirements.  Each unit is designed to be delivered in 10 days, but, of course, there is flexibility.

WHAT MATERIALS WILL I RECEIVE?

  • Teacher lesson book
  • One student journal for each student
  • Student handouts
  • Posters, games, and videos
  • Scratch-off cards used for team learning activities and formative assessment
  • Optional unit tests
  • Access to electronic copies of the materials

 


Interested in More Information?

We have limited spots available, so schools and teachers that express interest first will be given top priority.  You can also contact Scale-Up PACT project director, Dr. Letty Martinez, directly for more information at lettyrmartinez@austin.utexas.edu or 512-232-9476.