About the Webinar:
This presentation provided school leaders with valuable insights into civics and government standards, equipping them with the knowledge to drive student success while highlighting impactful professional learning opportunities. Participants received information on registering for the Civics Seal of Excellence and how it could enhance instructional processes in the classroom. The session emphasized the importance of K-12 civics education and demonstrated how specific resources could support teachers and increase student mastery. Participants explored how civics and government benchmarks could be applied across multiple content areas and learned about the targeted support available from Regional Civics Literacy Directors and Coaches, including one-on-one teacher coaching, school and district-based professional learning, and other events.
Empowering School Leaders: Strengthening K-12 Civics Education Through Strategic Support and Professional Learning
Presenter:
- Kenneth Chestnut, Regional Civics Director, Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Standards and Instructional
- Tyler Eastridge, Regional Civics Director, Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Standards and Instructional
- Lauren Kappler, Regional Civics Director, Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Standards and Instructional
- Traci Mulitsa, Civics Regional Director, Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Standards and Instructional
Date/Time: November 20, 2024
Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
View The Recording:
Session Summary
This presentation, "Empowering School Leaders: Strengthening K-12 Civics Education Through Strategic Support and Professional Learning," by regional civics directors Kenneth Chestnut, Tyler Eastridge, Lauren Kappler, and Traci Mulitsa, emphasizes the importance of K-12 civics education and offers strategies for school leaders to support teachers and enhance student learning in this vital subject. The session begins by introducing the regional civics directors and their role in providing support to schools and districts across Florida.
The presentation then delves into the various types of support available to schools, including one-on-one teacher coaching, professional learning communities (PLCs), and school-wide professional development. The directors emphasize the importance of building relationships with teachers, providing targeted support, and helping them understand the depth and breadth of the civics and government benchmarks.
The presentation also highlights the resources created and partnered with other organizations to support civics education. These resources include the Civics Literacy Toolkit website, the Middle School Civics Government Instructional Guide, the Civic School of Excellence course, the K-12 Civics Curriculum, and the K-12 Integrated Civics Curriculum.
The session includes an interactive activity called "hexagonal thinking" to demonstrate how civics benchmarks can be integrated across grade levels and content areas. Participants engage in connecting key terms and concepts, illustrating the importance of vertical alignment and building upon foundational knowledge from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The presentation concludes by emphasizing the importance of incorporating civics benchmarks into various content areas, including ELA, math, arts, and science. The presenters highlight the availability of resources and lesson plans on the civics literacy website to support this integration.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of K-12 civics education, learn about valuable resources and support systems, and leave equipped to empower teachers and enhance student mastery of civics benchmarks.