Region 1 News Andrew Levin
A Message from your Regional Representative:
Fellow teachers, welcome to the webpage for the Chicagoland Area (Region 1). This region is one of the most diverse in the state and is home to the most social studies teachers. As such, I look forward to collaborating and assisting in a wide variety of ways. As for some background, I have just begun my 7th year as an educator. I have taught courses including US History, US Government, Economics, Geography, World Cultures, Election Studies, Middle Eastern Politics, Comparative Politics, and Non-Western Comparative Politics. I currently teach at Harper College and Grayslake North High School. My main interests in the realm of education are technology and diversity & inclusion in the classroom (and online). There are so many great digital resources available that it is easier than ever to differentiate instruction and assessments. In terms of diversity, you may have seen my presentations at conferences on my classroom inquiry-based projects or "museums". These provide each student a voice and a choice. Along with thousands of other social studies educators and professionals, I went to the 2018 National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Annual Conference in Chicago. Like ICSS Conferences, NCSS brought together experts in the social studies and history to lead sessions for educators. The big difference is the size and, as a result, the number of options. To learn more about some of the great speakers that I personally got to observe, click this link to head to my professional page: https://internationalchicago.com/2018/12/28/ncss-annual-conference/ Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or comments on how this organization can be helpful. I encourage you to stay in touch with me and allow me be to a resource for you: visit my website, www.internationalchicago.com, follow me on twitter @ProfessorLevin, or email me atalevin@harpercollege.edu . Sincerely, Andrew Levin, MAT, MS |
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Attention College Professors!
If you would like an opportunity to learn more about the unprecedented AP Exam administration in 2020, please consider attending the below webinar – “The Role of Higher Education in the Development and Administration of the 2020 AP Exams.” This webinar will present faculty perspectives on the experience of developing and administering the 2020 AP Exams. Joining us at the event are:
With their expertise, we will be able to share an inside perspective on what it was like to convert a standard AP Exam into the online, at-home format; the psychometric validity behind the use of 2020 exam results for student credit and placement opportunities; and, the lessons learned that we may be able to apply to the future of AP in order to continually improve the program for students worldwide.
We invite you to join this webinar on either of the below two dates. Registration is required and is available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AP2020Dec.
· Tuesday, Dec. 1st, 4:00-5:15 pm Eastern
· Thursday, Dec. 10th, 3:00-4:15 pm Eastern
During these times, the only thing that seems certain is uncertainty. We thank you for your patience, for your understanding, and for your dedication to and support of the AP Program. We look forward to remaining partners in student success in higher education.
If you would like an opportunity to learn more about the unprecedented AP Exam administration in 2020, please consider attending the below webinar – “The Role of Higher Education in the Development and Administration of the 2020 AP Exams.” This webinar will present faculty perspectives on the experience of developing and administering the 2020 AP Exams. Joining us at the event are:
- Michele Kuhl, Associate Professor of History, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and Chief Reader for AP U.S. History
- Eduardo Magalhães, Director of Latin American Studies and Ruth Harp Chair in Political Science, Simpson College, and Chief Reader for AP Comparative Government & Politics
- Stephen Meinhold, Professor of Political Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington, and Chief Reader for AP U.S. Government & Politics
With their expertise, we will be able to share an inside perspective on what it was like to convert a standard AP Exam into the online, at-home format; the psychometric validity behind the use of 2020 exam results for student credit and placement opportunities; and, the lessons learned that we may be able to apply to the future of AP in order to continually improve the program for students worldwide.
We invite you to join this webinar on either of the below two dates. Registration is required and is available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AP2020Dec.
· Tuesday, Dec. 1st, 4:00-5:15 pm Eastern
· Thursday, Dec. 10th, 3:00-4:15 pm Eastern
During these times, the only thing that seems certain is uncertainty. We thank you for your patience, for your understanding, and for your dedication to and support of the AP Program. We look forward to remaining partners in student success in higher education.
The Illinois Geographic Alliance, LLC and the Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment at Illinois State University are excited to announce the
2020 Geography Education in the 21st Century VIRTUAL Conference.
What: a virtual conference for geography educators that includes a keynote and breakout sessions
When: Saturday, November 7, 2020 (8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
Where: Zoom (Link will be emailed to you a day or two prior to the conference.)
Who: This virtual conference is applicable for a wide range of geography educators including pre-service and in-service elementary school teachers, middle school/junior high teachers, high school teachers and community college and university instructors and professors.
Why: This conference is a fantastic opportunity for you to connect with geography educators from around the state. The conference theme this year is "Teaching Geography during the COVID-19 Pandemic" with conference sessions focused on digital learning tools and resources (e.g., websites, interactive maps, online GIS, and apps). The conference includes a keynote by a National Geographic educator and a variety of breakout sessions presented by experienced K-16 educators.
Cost: Registration is free.
Unfortunately, due to the virtual conference format, we are not able to provide PD hours (CPDUs) this year.
Registration: Please complete the online registration form.
Here is the full link if need be: https://forms.illinoisstate.edu/forms/geo_2020_geography_education_virtual_conference_registration_form
Questions: Please contact the Illinois Geographic Alliance, LLC at IGA@IllinoisState.edu.
2020 Geography Education in the 21st Century VIRTUAL Conference.
What: a virtual conference for geography educators that includes a keynote and breakout sessions
When: Saturday, November 7, 2020 (8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
Where: Zoom (Link will be emailed to you a day or two prior to the conference.)
Who: This virtual conference is applicable for a wide range of geography educators including pre-service and in-service elementary school teachers, middle school/junior high teachers, high school teachers and community college and university instructors and professors.
Why: This conference is a fantastic opportunity for you to connect with geography educators from around the state. The conference theme this year is "Teaching Geography during the COVID-19 Pandemic" with conference sessions focused on digital learning tools and resources (e.g., websites, interactive maps, online GIS, and apps). The conference includes a keynote by a National Geographic educator and a variety of breakout sessions presented by experienced K-16 educators.
Cost: Registration is free.
Unfortunately, due to the virtual conference format, we are not able to provide PD hours (CPDUs) this year.
Registration: Please complete the online registration form.
Here is the full link if need be: https://forms.illinoisstate.edu/forms/geo_2020_geography_education_virtual_conference_registration_form
Questions: Please contact the Illinois Geographic Alliance, LLC at IGA@IllinoisState.edu.
Youthquake
Attention Teachers and Retired Teachers:
Youthquake is a new online community engagement program for students interested in politics and political polarization. Small groups of middle school and high school students identify and research an issue of interest in their community, develop a policy plan through negotiation, and present the policy plan to stakeholders. The program is currently transitioning from an in-person week-long summer program experience into a virtual program that students can access on their own and at their own pace. A pilot cohort of students is planned to begin the online program in December 2020 / January 2021.
I am looking for teachers who may be interested in helping students with their projects, providing advice on curriculum content and structure, and anything in between. If you have any questions or may be interested in helping, please contact Rachna Shah at rachna.r.shah.21@dartmouth.edu.
Youthquake is a new online community engagement program for students interested in politics and political polarization. Small groups of middle school and high school students identify and research an issue of interest in their community, develop a policy plan through negotiation, and present the policy plan to stakeholders. The program is currently transitioning from an in-person week-long summer program experience into a virtual program that students can access on their own and at their own pace. A pilot cohort of students is planned to begin the online program in December 2020 / January 2021.
I am looking for teachers who may be interested in helping students with their projects, providing advice on curriculum content and structure, and anything in between. If you have any questions or may be interested in helping, please contact Rachna Shah at rachna.r.shah.21@dartmouth.edu.
Future e-Newsletter Planned: What Are Your Social Studies Interests?
I want to know what you are interested in from a future e-newsletter for Region 1 members. What subject areas and teaching questions do you want addressed? Plus, how frequently would you like to receive it?
Please fill out this brief survey to help me shape the newsletter into a beneficial tool for you:
ICSS Region 1 E-Newsletter Survey
Please fill out this brief survey to help me shape the newsletter into a beneficial tool for you:
ICSS Region 1 E-Newsletter Survey
Upcoming National and State Events
Upcoming Regional Events
Join Professor Levin's upcoming online course on Non-Western Comparative Politics at Harper College (PSC-280). It examines the political systems of selected non-Western countries, including common governmental problems, causes of political instability and revolution and techniques of political analysis. Plus, it is transferable to almost any Illinois college. It also meets ISBE political science licensing requirements. Let me know if you have any questions: alevin@harpercollege.edu
New eBook
An Upstream Battle: John Parker's Personal War on Slavery
An Upstream Battle: John Parker's Personal War on Slavery, brings to life the exciting true story of John Parker, an African American businessman who helped hundreds of runaway slaves cross the Ohio River to freedom. Well known in southern Ohio during his lifetime, Parker's contribution to American history was all but lost for more than a hundred years. Now this inspiring story, based on Parker's autobiography, is available in a form suitable for young readers.
Free curriculum is available to assist teachers in using the book in their classroom. This curriculum is based on the Common Core Standards and was created by an experienced middle school teacher.
Promotional offers related to An Upstream Battle include:
- There will be a free giveaway of "An Upstream Battle" on November 18 to 22.
- Amazon.com (or type An Upstream Battle: John Parker into Amazon’s search field)
- Paperback version available at the discounted rate of $7.99
- AnneStantonPublications.com
- Free downloadable curriculum related to An Upstream Battle
- Supplemental information about John Parker and links to related resources online
Questions or comments about this offer or to request information about additional promotional offers may be addressed to Anne Stanton at anneaugusta1@gmail.com.
Regional Exhibits
If you know of additional exhibits that should be added below, please contact me, Andrew Levin (alevin@harpercollege.edu) or the ICSS Webmaster David McMullen (mcmullen@fsmail.bradley.edu).
If you know of additional exhibits that should be added below, please contact me, Andrew Levin (alevin@harpercollege.edu) or the ICSS Webmaster David McMullen (mcmullen@fsmail.bradley.edu).
Pritzker Military Museum and Library in Chicago
Their current exhibit is: Lest We Forget: Sailors, Sammies and Doughboys Over There in World War One.
The Pritzker Military Museum & Library is open to the public with new hours:
Monday - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday - Thursday - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m
Friday and Saturday - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday - 12 - 4 p.m.
Admission to the Museum & Library is $5. Admission is free for members and all visitors with active military ID, Chicago police and fire departments and children under 18. Tours are offered daily at 11 a.m.
Their current exhibit is: Lest We Forget: Sailors, Sammies and Doughboys Over There in World War One.
The Pritzker Military Museum & Library is open to the public with new hours:
Monday - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday - Thursday - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m
Friday and Saturday - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday - 12 - 4 p.m.
Admission to the Museum & Library is $5. Admission is free for members and all visitors with active military ID, Chicago police and fire departments and children under 18. Tours are offered daily at 11 a.m.
First Division Museum at Catigny Park in Wheaton.
They have recently updated their museum with its new exhibit hall covering the First Division post Vietnam to present day. They also updated their collections on the main exhibit space (WW1 - Vietnam).
1s151 Winfield Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
Phone: 630.260.8185
Get Directions
HOURS
Closed Jan. 1 – Feb. 1
February (Fri-Sun)
10am – 4pm
Admission to the First Division Museum is always free. There is a parking fee for the park.
Daily: $5.00
Weekends (May through September): $10.00
They have recently updated their museum with its new exhibit hall covering the First Division post Vietnam to present day. They also updated their collections on the main exhibit space (WW1 - Vietnam).
1s151 Winfield Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
Phone: 630.260.8185
Get Directions
HOURS
Closed Jan. 1 – Feb. 1
February (Fri-Sun)
10am – 4pm
Admission to the First Division Museum is always free. There is a parking fee for the park.
Daily: $5.00
Weekends (May through September): $10.00
Social Studies Links
Democracy Schools are High Schools “dedicated to expanding and improving civic learning experiences across the curriculum (McCormick Foundation)
“Getting to the Point: Documentary Film Excerpts to Use in Your Classroom” by Andrew Levin
Alliance for Good: Global service club for Illinois high schoolers
“Getting to the Point: Documentary Film Excerpts to Use in Your Classroom” by Andrew Levin
Alliance for Good: Global service club for Illinois high schoolers
Local Historical and Genealogical Societies & Museums:
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The Chicago History Museum 1601 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614 www.chicagohistory.org The Field Museum 1400 South Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605 https://www.fieldmuseum.org/ DuSable Museum of African American History 740 East 56th Place, Chicago, IL 60637 http://www.dusablemuseum.org/ Pullman National Monument 11141 South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, IL 60628 https://www.nps.gov/pull/index.htm Mitchell Museum of the American Indian 3001 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201 http://mitchellmuseum.org/ Illinois Holocaust Museum 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie, IL 60077 https://www.ilholocaustmuseum.org Lake County Discovery Museum (Museum is currently transitioning to a new building and will open again in late 2017) http://www.lcfpd.org/museum/ McHenry County History Museum www.mchenrycountyhistory.org/ 6422 Main Street, Union, IL 60180 Volkening Heritage Farm 201 S. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg http://www.parkfun.com/spring-valley/heritage-farm |
The Obama Presidential Center Site to be determined Elgin History Museum 360 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120 http://elginhistory.org/ Naper Settlement Museum 523 South Webster Street, Naperville, IL 60540 http://www.napersettlement.org/ DuPage County History Museum 102 East Wesley Street, Wheaton, IL 60187 http://www.dupagemuseum.org/ Will County Historical Museum and Research Center 803 South State Street, Lockport, IL 60441 http://willcohistory.org/ Joliet Area Historical Museum 204 Ottawa Street, Joliet, IL 60432 https://www.jolietmuseum.org/ Chicago Genealogical Society http://www.chicagogenealogy.org The Newberry: Genealogy and Local History Desk 60 West Walton Street, Chicago, IL 60610 https://www.ilholocaustmuseum.org Gail Borden Public Library: Genealogy section 270 North Grove Avenue, Elgin, IL 60194 https://www.gailborden.info/research/genealogy |