Conference Sessions

Since before it became a U.S. state in 1850, California has been home to a stunning array of ethnic groups who have resisted oppression to make theoretical rights a reality. Join us for an inspiring session exploring how diverse Californians during different eras and in various geographic areas and circumstances fought for racial justice, citizenship, equal protection, religious freedom, and other rights. Though some are well-known, many of their stories have long been marginalized or even silenced. Yet their victories benefited not only themselves and their communities, but had regional and national impact, and strengthened democracy for us all.

There has been a renewed focus on engaging young people in civic life and the roles that schools play in this process as of late. Yet, traditional approaches to civic education have yet to encompass a holistic and future oriented paradigm of democracy grounded in empathy, imagination, and justice. As young people demand involvement in building worlds that move us away from the realities they often face in school (e.g. the school to prison pipeline, a lack of access to the arts, and a dearth of mental health supports) educators and schools have an opportunity to radically rethink what civics education can become alongside them.  Join our panel of youth leaders as they discuss their journeys into civic action, community organizing, and youth activism. Come hear their visions for better worlds, how educators can support these visions, and how civic education can be integrated across all content areas to meet this moment of change. 

Check out Nicole Mirra and Antero Garcia’s forthcoming book Civics for the World to Come: Committing to Democracy in Every Classroom from Norton Professional Books. 

Teaching about both rights and responsibilities is central to our work as social studies educators, but we make a serious mistake when we connect the two—especially when we tell students that people must use their rights responsibly. Although it may seem logical, this connection has no basis in legal or political philosophy, and it sends a troubling message about the meaning of rights. This presentation will explore why rights and responsibilities must be separated in our teaching, and how we can better help students understand the meaning of each.

With over 15-years experience as a speaker on the power of reclaimed history as it relates to identity and place in the American narrative, Regina Mason shares her personal journey to recover her past. As founder of the educational initiative America is Me (AIM), Regina explores American history through the voice of her ancestor, William Grimes, who wrote the first fugitive slave narrative in American history.

AIM is a curriculum-based initiative that follows the framework of California Standards in History and Social Science at fifth grade level through high school and is anchored in the film Gina’s Journey, the Search for William Grimes. The film follows the curiosity of Gina, a 5 th grader, and her lifelong journey to authenticate a story told to her in childhood about an ancestor named “Grimes” who was involved in the Underground Railroad. While the film exposes hard truths about U.S. history such as slavery and the contradiction of freedom and equality, it also invites students to think critically about their own family story, how it has contributed to the American mosaic, and what we lose when stories are marginalized, censored, hidden, or lost.

Developed to inspire critical thinking and analysis; inclusion and empathy through a series of inquiry tasks, archival research, and exercises, students will survey American slavery through William Grimes as they simultaneously follow Gina’s journey to recover her past while considering what these parallel stories tell us today. Upon completion of AIM in the classroom, students from participating schools, clubs, and associations in California will be invited to partake in AIM’s annual theme-based literary and visual arts competition. CCSS23 attendees are invited to screen the award-winning documentary, Gina’s Journey on Friday, February 24 at 7 pm followed by a discussion with Regina Mason about the AIM initiative, how it can be used in the classroom, and how students can participate in the competition component.

CCSS to honor California Secretary of State Shirley Weber with the CCSS Civic Action Award!  

Join us at the Legislative Confab where we will honor Secretary of State Shirley Weber for her ongoing commitment to voter engagement and civic learning for young people.  Engage in conversation with civic and educational leaders, CCSS partner organizations and others to discuss current legislation, funding for social studies education and other pressing matters facing our profession.

Engage with fellow site and district leaders at the California Council for the Social Studies 62nd Annual Conference during the Administrator's Colloquium to learn from and with colleagues from across the state. We will also have the opportunity to hear from experts who will be able to offer support and insight on the implementation of Ethnic Studies courses in your schools.

Diane L. Brooks Administrator of the Year

Join us for this unique event as we also honor Lily V. Chang, Coordinator of Continuous Improvement for the Butte County Office of Education, as this year's recipient of the Diane L. Brooks Award.

Registration Required

This is an opportunity for high school Economics teachers to explore how to empower their students to learn and apply economic reasoning, recognize the opportunities and challenges of the 21^st century global economy, and use this knowledge in all aspects of their lives now and in the future. Teachers will leave feeling honored as professionals, intellectually refreshed, and armed with new ideas and materials for their classrooms.

Teacher resources for classroom use will be provided.

Please register here. There is no charge, but we do need a head count.

In this workshop we will be exploring how Oakland Unified School District works to support and prepare students to become civically engaged through community outreach, student action projects and youth participatory research, and youth vote. This is the space for you to find out how to implement this in your school district!