Darren Minarik
@captminarika.bsky.social
Civic Education and Disability Rights Advocate, DRA Advisory Board Member, SIM Professional Developer, Speaker, Radford University Teacher Educator #EduSky #ITeachSocialStudies #SSChat #SpecialEducation #DisabilityInclusion #EduCoach
Pinned
Reposted by Darren Minarik
Virginia social studies leaders warn proposed testing shift could sideline critical thinking
Educators say state plan risks replacing inquiry-based assessments with multiple-choice exams virginiamercury.com/2025/11/10/v... #ushistory #sschat #socialstudies #historyteacher
Educators say state plan risks replacing inquiry-based assessments with multiple-choice exams virginiamercury.com/2025/11/10/v... #ushistory #sschat #socialstudies #historyteacher
Virginia social studies leaders warn proposed testing shift could sideline critical thinking • Virginia Mercury
Some Virginia social studies leaders are sounding the alarm over a proposed change to how student performance in history and social science is measured, warning it could swap critical-thinking assessm...
virginiamercury.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:18 AM
Virginia social studies leaders warn proposed testing shift could sideline critical thinking
Educators say state plan risks replacing inquiry-based assessments with multiple-choice exams virginiamercury.com/2025/11/10/v... #ushistory #sschat #socialstudies #historyteacher
Educators say state plan risks replacing inquiry-based assessments with multiple-choice exams virginiamercury.com/2025/11/10/v... #ushistory #sschat #socialstudies #historyteacher
We submitted a resolution to the House of Delegates asking NCSS to issue a position statement supporting the full academic, social, emotional, and physical inclusion of students with disabilities, and that disability history be included more in social studies curricula. bit.ly/NCSS-Inclusive #SSChat
Inclusive Social Studies SWDs Resolution Proposal to the NCSS House of Delegates.pdf
bit.ly
November 3, 2025 at 11:30 PM
We submitted a resolution to the House of Delegates asking NCSS to issue a position statement supporting the full academic, social, emotional, and physical inclusion of students with disabilities, and that disability history be included more in social studies curricula. bit.ly/NCSS-Inclusive #SSChat
Reposted by Darren Minarik
We’re honored to welcome @hakeem-jeffries.bsky.social as a keynote speaker at the upcoming 105th NCSS Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Register now to join us as he shares insights on what democracy demands: hubs.li/Q03Mxdm-0 #NCSS2025 #edusky
October 21, 2025 at 6:02 PM
We’re honored to welcome @hakeem-jeffries.bsky.social as a keynote speaker at the upcoming 105th NCSS Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Register now to join us as he shares insights on what democracy demands: hubs.li/Q03Mxdm-0 #NCSS2025 #edusky
A Wicked Way to Support Inquiry
12/6/25
4:00 pm - 4:55 pm
Rm 140B
#SSChat #NCSS2025
Explore how to incorporate wicked problems into social studies classrooms by examining how the wicked problem supports Project-Based Learning, the Inquiry Design Model, and other thinking and reasoning methods.
12/6/25
4:00 pm - 4:55 pm
Rm 140B
#SSChat #NCSS2025
Explore how to incorporate wicked problems into social studies classrooms by examining how the wicked problem supports Project-Based Learning, the Inquiry Design Model, and other thinking and reasoning methods.
November 3, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Teaching With Purpose: Building Meaningful Social Studies Classrooms Today
12/6/25
2:50-3:45 pm
Rm 204A
#SSChat #NCSS2025
Learn strategies from a new NCSS book to support diverse learners, engage in civic learning, promote inquiry, integrate technology, and sustain authentic purpose in practice.
12/6/25
2:50-3:45 pm
Rm 204A
#SSChat #NCSS2025
Learn strategies from a new NCSS book to support diverse learners, engage in civic learning, promote inquiry, integrate technology, and sustain authentic purpose in practice.
November 3, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Building Democracy from the Ground Up in Our Government Classrooms
Dec. 5, 2025
10:10-11:05 am
Room 142
#SSChat #NCSS2025
Examine how to teach civics using an experiential inquiry-based local-to-federal approach. Students become informed and engaged at every government level using this approach.
Dec. 5, 2025
10:10-11:05 am
Room 142
#SSChat #NCSS2025
Examine how to teach civics using an experiential inquiry-based local-to-federal approach. Students become informed and engaged at every government level using this approach.
November 3, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Reposted by Darren Minarik
Teachers:
#socialstudies #historyteacher #sschat #civics #apgov #apush ---> Here's your primary source lesson for #MediaLiteracyWeek✨
Ask students: How important is history in current events? Why does historical context matter in news stories?
#socialstudies #historyteacher #sschat #civics #apgov #apush ---> Here's your primary source lesson for #MediaLiteracyWeek✨
Ask students: How important is history in current events? Why does historical context matter in news stories?
President Donald Trump has repeatedly signaled he is open to invoking the Insurrection Act, a law from 1807 that allows the president to deploy the military in the United States. https://to.pbs.org/3JyaV3N
What is the Insurrection Act? Here's what Trump has said about using it
Experts told PBS News that worries about the Insurrection Act arise from legal uncertainty about how it can be applied.
www.pbs.org
October 28, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Teachers:
#socialstudies #historyteacher #sschat #civics #apgov #apush ---> Here's your primary source lesson for #MediaLiteracyWeek✨
Ask students: How important is history in current events? Why does historical context matter in news stories?
#socialstudies #historyteacher #sschat #civics #apgov #apush ---> Here's your primary source lesson for #MediaLiteracyWeek✨
Ask students: How important is history in current events? Why does historical context matter in news stories?
Reposted by Darren Minarik
NEW @pbsnews.org Classroom Daily News Lesson —
The Trump administration tore down the East Wing of the White House this week. But what is its history, and what is the history of remaking the executive mansion? #sschat #EDUSky
https://loom.ly/SW5dUWs
The Trump administration tore down the East Wing of the White House this week. But what is its history, and what is the history of remaking the executive mansion? #sschat #EDUSky
https://loom.ly/SW5dUWs
East Wing of White House torn down as Trump clears space for his ballroom
Learn of the White House exemption to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966
www.pbs.org
October 24, 2025 at 8:34 PM
NEW @pbsnews.org Classroom Daily News Lesson —
The Trump administration tore down the East Wing of the White House this week. But what is its history, and what is the history of remaking the executive mansion? #sschat #EDUSky
https://loom.ly/SW5dUWs
The Trump administration tore down the East Wing of the White House this week. But what is its history, and what is the history of remaking the executive mansion? #sschat #EDUSky
https://loom.ly/SW5dUWs
Get your free copy of the SLANT Strategy (Second Edition) and once you've implemented the strategy, get your free Micro-credential.
Free copy: shop-kucrl.ku.edu
Free credential: badgelist.com/SIM-Learning...
sim.ku.edu
#strategicinstructionmodel #slantstrategy #teacherresources
Free copy: shop-kucrl.ku.edu
Free credential: badgelist.com/SIM-Learning...
sim.ku.edu
#strategicinstructionmodel #slantstrategy #teacherresources
Strategic Instruction Model (SIM) Online Store
Purchase Strategic Instruction Model (SIM) Learning Strategies, Content Enhancement Routines, and Xtreme Reading published by KUCRL.
shop-kucrl.ku.edu
October 24, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Get your free copy of the SLANT Strategy (Second Edition) and once you've implemented the strategy, get your free Micro-credential.
Free copy: shop-kucrl.ku.edu
Free credential: badgelist.com/SIM-Learning...
sim.ku.edu
#strategicinstructionmodel #slantstrategy #teacherresources
Free copy: shop-kucrl.ku.edu
Free credential: badgelist.com/SIM-Learning...
sim.ku.edu
#strategicinstructionmodel #slantstrategy #teacherresources
No Kings's event, “NO KINGS NEW River Valley” - sign up now! www.mobilize.us/nokings/even...
NO KINGS NEW River Valley · No Kings
**In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.**
Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Bo...
www.mobilize.us
October 18, 2025 at 6:38 PM
No Kings's event, “NO KINGS NEW River Valley” - sign up now! www.mobilize.us/nokings/even...
Reposted by Darren Minarik
An important piece from @lutzfernandez.bsky.social on the MAGA campaign to replace education with propaganda:
"...teachers need us to fight for them like we fought for Kimmel..." 🍎 #AcademicSky #TLSky 🧪 #sschat 📚 Too many people outside of schools don't have a clue about what's happening.
"...teachers need us to fight for them like we fought for Kimmel..." 🍎 #AcademicSky #TLSky 🧪 #sschat 📚 Too many people outside of schools don't have a clue about what's happening.
The Trump Admin's new "civics" initiative is a propaganda project but more. It's an example of what @penamerica.bsky.social calls "censorship by stealth."
Driven by Heritage and Christian nationalist groups, it's one reason why teachers need us to fight for them like we fought for Kimmel.
More:
Driven by Heritage and Christian nationalist groups, it's one reason why teachers need us to fight for them like we fought for Kimmel.
More:
From Kindergarten to Kimmel
MAGA's treatment of K-12 teachers was the warm-up act to taking down comedians
nobody-wants-this.ghost.io
September 26, 2025 at 10:56 AM
An important piece from @lutzfernandez.bsky.social on the MAGA campaign to replace education with propaganda:
"...teachers need us to fight for them like we fought for Kimmel..." 🍎 #AcademicSky #TLSky 🧪 #sschat 📚 Too many people outside of schools don't have a clue about what's happening.
"...teachers need us to fight for them like we fought for Kimmel..." 🍎 #AcademicSky #TLSky 🧪 #sschat 📚 Too many people outside of schools don't have a clue about what's happening.
Reposted by Darren Minarik
NEW @pbsnews.org Classroom Daily News Lesson —
Meet the citizen historians who are documenting everything in the Smithsonian ahead of a federal review of exhibits. Ask students: who decides what history we remember? #sschat #EDUSky
https://loom.ly/0Ltk8xA
Meet the citizen historians who are documenting everything in the Smithsonian ahead of a federal review of exhibits. Ask students: who decides what history we remember? #sschat #EDUSky
https://loom.ly/0Ltk8xA
Citizen historians preserve details of Smithsonian exhibits
Learn why some volunteers are documenting exhibits in Smithsonian museums
www.pbs.org
September 26, 2025 at 8:55 PM
NEW @pbsnews.org Classroom Daily News Lesson —
Meet the citizen historians who are documenting everything in the Smithsonian ahead of a federal review of exhibits. Ask students: who decides what history we remember? #sschat #EDUSky
https://loom.ly/0Ltk8xA
Meet the citizen historians who are documenting everything in the Smithsonian ahead of a federal review of exhibits. Ask students: who decides what history we remember? #sschat #EDUSky
https://loom.ly/0Ltk8xA
Reposted by Darren Minarik
Here is a question for #HistoryEducation. What makes a good Teaching History article? A short thread for #historyteacher s.
Teaching History is a journal published by @histassoc.bsky.social and read by thousands of teachers. (Is that the right 'number'?)
1/n 🧵
Teaching History is a journal published by @histassoc.bsky.social and read by thousands of teachers. (Is that the right 'number'?)
1/n 🧵
September 27, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Here is a question for #HistoryEducation. What makes a good Teaching History article? A short thread for #historyteacher s.
Teaching History is a journal published by @histassoc.bsky.social and read by thousands of teachers. (Is that the right 'number'?)
1/n 🧵
Teaching History is a journal published by @histassoc.bsky.social and read by thousands of teachers. (Is that the right 'number'?)
1/n 🧵
Reposted by Darren Minarik
NEW @pbsnews.org Classroom Lesson:
What is "originalism"? What does it mean for the Constitution to be a living, amendable document? Hear from two scholars on differing philosophies of interpreting the Constitution.
#sschat #apgov #EduSky https://loom.ly/2DY8O88
What is "originalism"? What does it mean for the Constitution to be a living, amendable document? Hear from two scholars on differing philosophies of interpreting the Constitution.
#sschat #apgov #EduSky https://loom.ly/2DY8O88
Two perspectives on originalism and the Constitution
Hear from two Constitutional scholars on interpretations of the document and competing judicial philosophies
www.pbs.org
September 23, 2025 at 9:13 PM
NEW @pbsnews.org Classroom Lesson:
What is "originalism"? What does it mean for the Constitution to be a living, amendable document? Hear from two scholars on differing philosophies of interpreting the Constitution.
#sschat #apgov #EduSky https://loom.ly/2DY8O88
What is "originalism"? What does it mean for the Constitution to be a living, amendable document? Hear from two scholars on differing philosophies of interpreting the Constitution.
#sschat #apgov #EduSky https://loom.ly/2DY8O88
Reposted by Darren Minarik
PBS @pbsnews.org Classroom Lesson: Health experts respond to Trump's claims linking autism to acetaminophen
Ask students: How would you evaluate the claims made by Trump & Kennedy? What about the scientists interviewed?
#sschat #EduSky https://loom.ly/Cx3CVGw
Ask students: How would you evaluate the claims made by Trump & Kennedy? What about the scientists interviewed?
#sschat #EduSky https://loom.ly/Cx3CVGw
Health experts respond to Trump's claims linking autism to acetaminophen
Experts also reiterated no credible evidence linking vaccines to autism has been found
www.pbs.org
September 24, 2025 at 1:21 AM
PBS @pbsnews.org Classroom Lesson: Health experts respond to Trump's claims linking autism to acetaminophen
Ask students: How would you evaluate the claims made by Trump & Kennedy? What about the scientists interviewed?
#sschat #EduSky https://loom.ly/Cx3CVGw
Ask students: How would you evaluate the claims made by Trump & Kennedy? What about the scientists interviewed?
#sschat #EduSky https://loom.ly/Cx3CVGw
This America 250 Civics Education Coalition is an interesting list of contributors. I hope organizations like the Center for Civic Education, iCivics, the Bill of Rights Institute, the Constitutional Rights Foundation and others give educators an alternative. #SSChat www.ed.gov/about/news/p...
U.S. Department of Education, AFPI, TPUSA, Hillsdale College, and Over 40 National and State Organizations Launch America 250 Civics Coalition
The U.S. Department of Education, alongside the America First Policy Institute, Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College, and more than 40 leading national and state-based organizations today announced th...
www.ed.gov
September 19, 2025 at 6:23 PM
This America 250 Civics Education Coalition is an interesting list of contributors. I hope organizations like the Center for Civic Education, iCivics, the Bill of Rights Institute, the Constitutional Rights Foundation and others give educators an alternative. #SSChat www.ed.gov/about/news/p...
Free speech is the heart of American democracy. #SSChat www.threads.com/@barackobama...
Barack Obama (@barackobama) on Threads
First there’s this piece by David French, who devoted much of his legal career to defending the First Amendment rights of conservative writers and scholars:
www.threads.com
September 19, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Free speech is the heart of American democracy. #SSChat www.threads.com/@barackobama...
Reposted by Darren Minarik
The #Constitution is our nation’s most enduring document, but not everything you read online about the Constitution is accurate.
Here are some of the top myths about the Constitution and the Founding Fathers still out there. #ConstitutionDay
Here are some of the top myths about the Constitution and the Founding Fathers still out there. #ConstitutionDay
Top myths about the Constitution on Constitution Day
The Constitution is our most enduring document, but not everything you read online about the Constitution is accurate! Here are some of the top myths about the Constitution and the Founding Fathers still out there on blogs and websites.
ow.ly
September 17, 2025 at 4:00 PM
The #Constitution is our nation’s most enduring document, but not everything you read online about the Constitution is accurate.
Here are some of the top myths about the Constitution and the Founding Fathers still out there. #ConstitutionDay
Here are some of the top myths about the Constitution and the Founding Fathers still out there. #ConstitutionDay
Reposted by Darren Minarik
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union..." 📜
#OnThisDay in 1787, the United States Constitution was signed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. #ConstitutionDay
#OnThisDay in 1787, the United States Constitution was signed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. #ConstitutionDay
September 17, 2025 at 3:09 PM
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union..." 📜
#OnThisDay in 1787, the United States Constitution was signed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. #ConstitutionDay
#OnThisDay in 1787, the United States Constitution was signed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. #ConstitutionDay
A topic we need to examine.
PBS @pbsnews.org News Hour Classroom Daily News Lesson: Extremism scholar analyzes influence of rhetoric on political violence
Discuss the rise of political violence in history and ways to engage in civil dialogue.
#sschat #apush #EduSky https://loom.ly/_fze3Zw
Discuss the rise of political violence in history and ways to engage in civil dialogue.
#sschat #apush #EduSky https://loom.ly/_fze3Zw
Extremism scholar analyzes influence of rhetoric on political violence
Amid the assassination of Charlie Kirk, discuss the rise of political violence in history and ways to engage in civil dialogue
www.pbs.org
September 16, 2025 at 7:09 PM
A topic we need to examine.
Reposted by Darren Minarik
PBS @pbsnews.org News Hour Classroom Daily News Lesson: Extremism scholar analyzes influence of rhetoric on political violence
Discuss the rise of political violence in history and ways to engage in civil dialogue.
#sschat #apush #EduSky https://loom.ly/_fze3Zw
Discuss the rise of political violence in history and ways to engage in civil dialogue.
#sschat #apush #EduSky https://loom.ly/_fze3Zw
Extremism scholar analyzes influence of rhetoric on political violence
Amid the assassination of Charlie Kirk, discuss the rise of political violence in history and ways to engage in civil dialogue
www.pbs.org
September 16, 2025 at 6:46 PM
PBS @pbsnews.org News Hour Classroom Daily News Lesson: Extremism scholar analyzes influence of rhetoric on political violence
Discuss the rise of political violence in history and ways to engage in civil dialogue.
#sschat #apush #EduSky https://loom.ly/_fze3Zw
Discuss the rise of political violence in history and ways to engage in civil dialogue.
#sschat #apush #EduSky https://loom.ly/_fze3Zw
Reposted by Darren Minarik
My latest: a condensed history of the Bill of Rights for Encyclopedia Virgina. Enjoy! #sschat
encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/the-...
encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/the-...
The Bill of Rights - Encyclopedia Virginia
What are Rights? A right is a social norm supported by morality, tradition, or law. There are different categories and sources of rights. The most fundamental rights are natural rights, also known as...
encyclopediavirginia.org
August 29, 2025 at 6:37 PM
My latest: a condensed history of the Bill of Rights for Encyclopedia Virgina. Enjoy! #sschat
encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/the-...
encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/the-...
Reposted by Darren Minarik
Want a classroom full of engaged and curious students, eager to think deeply and know more? “This is the promise of an inquiry approach to social studies, and staging lessons has a lot to do with making that promise a reality,” says educator Matthew Bornstein-Grove. ⭐
#ITeachSocialStudies #sschat
#ITeachSocialStudies #sschat
Using Staging Activities in Social Studies to Build Engagement
Effective staging lessons help make a new unit seem relevant to students and also set the stage for critical thinking.
edut.to
August 24, 2025 at 2:34 AM
Want a classroom full of engaged and curious students, eager to think deeply and know more? “This is the promise of an inquiry approach to social studies, and staging lessons has a lot to do with making that promise a reality,” says educator Matthew Bornstein-Grove. ⭐
#ITeachSocialStudies #sschat
#ITeachSocialStudies #sschat
Please read this important statement from NCSS, NCTE, NCTM, and NSTA @socialstudies.org #SSChat #EduSky #ITeachSocialStudies www.socialstudies.org/position-sta... Joint Statement from NCTM, NCTE, NCSS, and NSTA on Withholding of Education Funding | Social Studies
Joint Statement from NCTM, NCTE, NCSS, and NSTA on Withholding of Education Funding
July 17, 2025 As representatives of the K–12 teachers and leaders in the core subject areas, we are alarmed by the decision to withhold billions of dollars in federal funding that Congress approved fo...
www.socialstudies.org
July 17, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Please read this important statement from NCSS, NCTE, NCTM, and NSTA @socialstudies.org #SSChat #EduSky #ITeachSocialStudies www.socialstudies.org/position-sta... Joint Statement from NCTM, NCTE, NCSS, and NSTA on Withholding of Education Funding | Social Studies