The Historical Writing Project: Developing Capacities So That Students Can Meet the Challenge of the C3 and CCSS

Together with one middle school social studies department, I am developing and piloting social studies investigations designed to improve students’ historical thinking, reading, and writing across grades 6-8. Each investigation includes in-depth inquiry into a central question, reading and analysis of primary and secondary sources with multiple perspectives, explicit instruction in disciplinary literacy practices, discussion, planning and composing written arguments with an authentic audience and purpose, and student choice. We are evaluating the impact of the curriculum materials on a range of learners and revising the materials to support student learning and teachers' instruction with the investigations. The project also emphasizes professional development with participating teachers.