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=​ Welcome to Pennsylvania Social Studies! =  This site is an unofficial resource designed by the former Social Studies Advisor and the current Social Studies Advisor at the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist teachers, administrators and private citizens negotiate the changing landscape of social studies education in the Commonwealth. It Please feel free to explore the site's pages, as new information and page content will be posted as time and urgency permit. Of course, we welcome suggestions for ways to make this resource more useful to you.

IN THE NEWS...... PROPOSED BUDGET Governor Corbet's **proposed budget** indicated funding for three (3) Keystone Exams, Biology, Alegbra 1 and Literature. He did not say he was cutting the Civics and Government exam, yet he did not say he WAS funding it. As of February 12, 2012 it is still a proposed budget. Anything can happen. School districts should always make curricular decisions based on the student needs of the local district. Chapter 4 of the Pennsylvania school code reminds us that the primary reason for public education is to create contributing citizens. When designing curriculum, the focus should always be the end product for students is to be a citizen of the community, state, nation and the world. When public education creates citizens who are actively engaged and informed, the future of the Republic is ensured.

= = = Keystone Exam FAQ's and overview = []

"Due to State budget constraints the Keystone Exam program is on a one-year hold (2011-2012 school year). Since Keystone exams will not be administered, it is recommended that districts use the additional time to make certain that local curriculum is fully aligned with the content assessed by Keystones and to provide associated professional development. The Department's work on other components of the new high school graduation requirements -- including development of the project-based alternative assessments- will continue to move ahead. Additionally, the voluntary model curriculum, classroom diagnoxtic tools and other SAS resources-components of the broader reform- will continue to serve students and schools during 2011-2012." .


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=IMPORTANT MESSAGE CONCERNING PENNSYLVANIA AND THE COMMON CORE STANDARDS!=

**Common Core Standards for** English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects
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