Elizabeth, first thank you from the hottom of my bart for not bogging down your question and explanation with specialized jargon and a ton of acronyms known only to social scientists!!  Your submission is so much easier to read--and understand--free of those obstacles to communication.  Sorry this is off topic but it's one of my pet peeves with RG and Q&A. 

In regard to the common core (also known as the Common Core State Standards and, of course, the acronym CCSS) and the effect on social studies, take heart and be glad!  A major emphasis is to include much more nonfiction in the curriculum, across the board, not just in language studies.  Nonfiction in the social sciences will be a major contributor to this shift, as will the sciences. The current balance is roughly 30% nonfiction to 70% fiction (depending, of course, on the state, school district, etc.).  The goal is to reverse that in a few short years so that nonfiction factual material predominates by as much as the above figures, in reverse).  So get your course materials in sync with CCSS or you'll be SOL (sh** out of luck)--just kidding around with the acronyms.

You asked this on Mar 14.  I'm surprised no one has answered such an important question for social studies teachers of all levels, including higher education folks who might generate the needed materials.  A suggestion--edit your question and add "higher education" and other possible tags to your "topics" list.

Best regards,

John 

I am so glad that this question was asked, but sad there has been only one response. I recently taught an inclusive junior methods class at my university using an old methodology that I created years ago called, Social Studies Their Way. It works superbly with the non fiction idea mentiioned in the previous response and is very relevant to literacy skills along with social justice theory and methodologies. I would be happy to explain in more detail, if you an others are interested. I have not published this as I have spent the last 18 year as a dean of educaiton where NCATE, NCTQ, and NM legistive reports were my priority. Now that I am back in the professoriate saddle, I am ready to run on my good stuff from the olden days. Just ask me.....jh

The USA Federal Common Core has been summarily rejected in the states where I have resided in Virginia and Kansas. In both cases these two states are developing their own model curricula using in-states talent of our own gifted teachers in schools and universities, as well as using talented subject matter exerts in business. I have also been an expert subject matter witness on related topics.

Let me know if you have more questions.