Social Studies Can Be SPECtacular: and six more strategies for activating critical thinking and historical inquiry - Paperback

by Anthony J. Fitzpatrick (Author)

The teaching strategies presented in this book allow students to learn substantive social studies content as well as historical inquiry. With the current push toward adoption of the Common Core Standards, these strategies provide not only teachers of social studies, but also teachers of Language Arts with the tools necessary to help students meet - and exceed - those standards. This book keeps the pedagogical jargon to a minimum, instead focusing on a conversational writing style and practical steps for classroom implementation.This is not a theory book, but rather a book of strategies derived from theory and classroom tested over the past 12 years.

Author Biography

Anthony J. Fitzpatrick is the Vice-President of Professional Development Services for the American Institute for History Education in Swedesboro, New Jersey. He is responsible for implementing engaging, relevant professional development programs for teachers around the world. He headed a team of professional development providers to create the Common Core Learning Framework, a resource designed to provide support to ELA and Social Studies teachers in meeting the Common Core Standards. He has developed numerous teaching strategies that translate current research into classroom practice in order that teachers may elicit critical thinking and historical inquiry in their classrooms. He has also created writings and activities for CICERO: History Beyond the Textbook, Sojournerhistory.com, and the New Jersey AMISTAD Commission. Mr. Fitzpatrick received his B.A. in History from Rowan University in New Jersey; and a M.A. in Educational Administration from Rowan. Prior to his work at AIHE, Fitzpatrick taught history at Kingsway Regional High School and also served as the History Area Leader and the Curriculum and Technology Supervisor for the District. A nationally acclaimed trainer and speaker, Fitzpatrick has provided professional development to over 150 school districts and more than 65 Teaching American History Grants. His professional development sessions focus on critical reading, thinking skills, writing instruction, and enhancing historical inquiry.