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by Jeff Swisher, Indiana Council for the Social Studies Introduction The Indiana Council for the Social Studies (ICSS) is one of the state’s oldest subject-area professional organizations dedicated to advancing…

The Prospective Role of a Paraguayan Agency for International Cooperation by Prof. Marcelo Echague Pastore | Universidad Americana – Paraguay | Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Indiana State University (2023-2024) Having…

Call for Submissions: Due Date August 30, 2025 The Great Lakes Social Studies Journal (GLSSJ) is excited to announce its expansion to include new editorial board members from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan,…

Using Student-Written Letters as Authentic Assessments History can often feel like a collection of names, dates, and battles—detached from the real human experiences that shaped the past. But what if…

Mock trials offer high school students an engaging opportunity to dive into the legal world while cultivating vital skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork. Students from Morton High School shared their experiences, highlighting the profound impact of these competitions on their understanding of the legal system and their personal growth. From collaborative strategy sessions to overcoming challenges in public speaking, these students emphasized how mock trials prepare them for future academic and professional endeavors while fostering a sense of civic responsibility. Learn more about the transformative power of mock trials in this inspiring piece by Chenchen Lu.

As we step into 2025, the Indiana Council for the Social Studies is excited to share key predictions that promise to shape K-12 social studies and civics education in transformative…

Engage your students like never before with strategies to make classroom discussions relevant and meaningful. Discover how connecting academic concepts to students' identities, real-world events, and critical thinking skills can transform learning into a deeply personal and impactful experience. Explore practical approaches, including self-to-world connections, thematic discussions, and Socratic questioning, that empower students to analyze, reflect, and participate in their own education and civic growth. Let’s reimagine the classroom as a space where knowledge meets purpose and engagement thrives!

Denise Corbin | President, Indiana Council for the Social Studies (ICSS) Indiana is no stranger to redesigning its high school diplomas. As a veteran educator with 27 years of experience,…