History/Social Science Department :: San Diego Unified School District

On September 8th, the History/Social Studies department hosted the 2008 Presidential Election Workshop featuring Presidential historian Robert Dallek and professor Carl Luna.

Overview
Curriculum
Programs
Related Resources
Contact Information

Overview
The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) History/Social Science department supports history and social science instruction in grades K-12. Instruction is designed to support students in their understanding of the foundational ideas and philosophy of our country, and the historical themes and events of the world's many cultures. The goal of all instruction is to enable students to see matters through others' perspectives, respect and understand other cultures; and foster patience, respect and civic courage.

Curriculum

Programs

Old Town Cultural and Historical Program
The History/Social Studies Department oversees curriculum for Old Town Cultural and Historical Program. Fourth grade students spend five school days at a specially designed campus in the historic Old Town neighborhood of San Diego learning about the cultural and historical significance this region has played in local, state, and national developments.

SDUSD Patriots Program
Select schools participate in field trips to the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum, USS Midway. Students participate in standards-based history lessons to help prepare them for their field trip. Once onboard, they complete a series of engaging lessons that help accentuate the experience.

History Professional Learning Community
This group of high school teacher-leaders meets on a monthly basis to discuss issues surrounding curriculum and teaching practices. The PLC serves as a critical link between district staff and school sites.

Lecture Series
As part of its goal of supporting professional development among district teachers, the History/Social Studies Department sponsors presentations and lectures by distinguished academics in the field of history. Past presenters include Dr. Robert Dallek (author of the New York Times best seller, An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy) and Dr. Sam Wineburg (author of Historically Thinking and Other Unnatural Acts).

Professional Development Workshops
The History/Social Studies Department offers the opportunity for elementary teachers to meet and discuss methods of incorporating history/social studies into their daily lessons. Additionally, the department has worked extensively with a number of middle and high schools to discuss how to use student data as a way of helping teachers make informed instructional decisions. Workshops have also focused on standards and CSTs.

Related Resources

Contact Information

History/Social Science Department
San Diego Unified School District
Eugene Brucker Education Center
4100 Normal Street, Room 2009
San Diego, CA 92103-2682

(619) 725-7335