2024 DCSSC
Northern Illinois Largest Social Studies Conference
March 1, 2024
07:00 am
This year's conference will include sessions on pedagogy, such as news literacy, formative assessment, and digital citizenship, in addition to the content topics in History, Geography, Civics, Economics, Sociology, and Psychology.
About DCSSC
What is the DCSSC?
For over 30 years, the DuPage County Social Studies Conference has been offering Northern Illinois social studies teachers an annual conference on county-wide institute day.
The conference brings together university professors, experts in the field, and community activists to present relevant content and methodology that teachers can apply to their own classrooms.
West Chicago Lisa Willuweit Chairperson
Downers Grove North Mike Roethler
Glenbard East Jason Jaffe
Glenbard North Kevin Coon
Glenbard South Ruben Rodriguez
Glenbard West Kristin Brandt
Naperville Central David Ashton
Naperville North Joanna Berg
Neuqua Valley Tom McManamen
Metea Valley Don Pankuch
Waubonsie Valley Adam Dyche
West Aurora Sara Turner
Wheaton North Joe Drover
Wheaton Warrenville South Steven Linhardt
Session Topics & Schedule
Proud to offer diverse topics in Social Studies Education and Pedagogy.
Session I: 8:00-8:55 AM - Speaker Session
8:00 am-8:55 am
9-12
The Students for Fair Admissions Case: How Will It Impact Diversity Programs in Higher Education and Affirmative Action In General [Virtual presenter]
Dr. Ben Austen and Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad
In June of 2023, the Supreme Court’s Students for Fair Admissions decision declared that Harvard College’s race-conscious admissions process was unlawful. This session will describe the background of the case and the basis for the Court’s decision. Additionally, it will explore how it might impact Affirmative Action initiatives throughout the country and what measures colleges and universities can now legally undertake to encourage diversity in their student bodies. Dr. Austen and Dr. Muhammad will be presenting virtually to an in-person audience.
Vitrual
Civics/Gov
8:00 am-8:55 am
Tang Dynasty China-Clash of Axial Age Philosophies
The Tang Dynasty is quite different from the dynasties that came before it. Tang Dynasty brought together traditional dynastic patterns and new influences and family connections with the steppe groups outside the kingdom. This mixing spurred both expansion and internal conflict. One such internal conflict was the dynasty’s early support of Buddhism. It started as a form of legitimization, but it clashed with traditional Confucian administration with eventual violent results. Topics to be covered include cultural changes, administration, dynastic Buddhism, and imperialism
6-12
World History
8:00 am-8:55 am
Using AI in Your Instruction
This session will explore how to leverage AI applications that can be used to enhance teaching and student engagement. Additionally, Mike and Pat will outline how Large Language Models (e.g. ChatGPT) work and explain their limitations. Participants will gain hands-on experience and practical strategies for immediate use. No prior knowledge of AI is required. Please bring a device for interactive activities.
6-12
Pedagogy
8:00 am-8:55 am
Native American Resources for Middle and High School
The Illinois Native American History Mandate requires students to explore Native American peoples in Illinois including where they live, their history, their contributions to their own nations and the US, and the discrimination, relocation, and genocide they faced. This session will provide you with increased knowledge and resources so that you can best satisfy the mandate in an engaging and authentic way. Resources will be provided for both high school and middle school levels to best integrate with your curriculum needs.
U.S. History
6-12
8:00 am-8:55 am
The Illinois Tech Corridor: Growth, Technology, and the Remaking of DuPage County
The mid-20th century brought significant changes to DuPage County. The opening of the East-West Tollway, the development of the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor, increased personal mobility, and the explosive postwar growth remade the local area into a technoburb. Farms and prairies along I-88 became research laboratories, business headquarters, and medical and university campuses. To attract businesses and their educated workforces, cities like Naperville invested significantly in home building, education, and community infrastructure. This presentation explores the local and national forces that made the Tech Corridor possible as well as their lasting impacts in the region.
6-12
Geography
Moved to Lunch & Learn
The Turbulent 2024 Election: A Teachable Moment
Change elections are seemingly the new norm in a closely divided country, and as civic educators we must simultaneously navigate turbulent political waters and the teachable moment a presidential election cycle like 2024 represents. Come learn about the current state of the presidential primaries, prospects for the two eventual presidential nominees in the general election, and pivotal contests down the ballot determining control of Congress and state government. Emerge equipped to engage students in conversations about political candidates and prevailing issues, navigating public opinion polling and political advertising, and developing an excitement about and commitment to informed voting in this and future elections.
Civics/Gov
6-12
8:00 am-8:55 am
U.S. Immigration Policy in the 1920s: House Built on Scientific Racism
This session will explore the ways that the United States federal government restricted immigration from Europe and Asia after World War I as well as the mass migration of Mexicans and southern Blacks. The federal government’s immigration restrictions were based on racism founded upon the pseudo-science of racial superiority and inferiority that permeated American society at this time.
U.S. History
6-12
8:00 am-8:55 am
Stress and Achievement: How much is Enough?
This session will explore the notion of healthy self-esteem. The relationship between stress and self confidence will be explored using new research on the importance of belonging and social intelligence.
Pedagogy
9-12
8:00 am-8:55 am
Teaching African and African American History Through a Lens of Joy
This session will explore ways to bring joy into educational spaces when teaching African and African American History, touching on topics such as early African civilizations, west African spirituality, the Moors, and the African Diaspora. This event will include resources and lesson ideas for seamless incorporation into classrooms.
U.S. History
6-12
8:00 am-8:55 am
Art in War: How and Where it was Hidden and How it Returns to its Rightful Owners
Many famous classical pieces from the Louvre were hidden away in the French countryside. The Mona Lisa was moved around no less than five times to keep it hidden. The Venus de Milo was kept at a country estate. The Met in New York, the National Archaeological Museum of Greece, and the British National Gallery employed their greatest minds to save the treasures of the museums from destruction or plunder. This session will dive into the stories of the organizations and missions, like Monuments Men that sought to save and preserve treasures of the world. Stories of where these treasures went, what was saved and where some of the best-laid plans went wrong will be discussed.
U.S. History
6-12
Session II: 9:10-10:05 AM - Speaker Session
9:10 am-10:05 am
An Empire of Straw? - The Persian Empire before Alexander
This presentation will provide a new lens to view Ancient Iran. Like many other empires, Ancient Iran did have its problems; however, it was large, strong, wealthy, and more stable than has traditionally been acknowledged. This session addresses an awareness of biases in sources and traditional approaches, the problems of hindsight, and how new work reveals a changing ancient past.
World History
6-12
9:10 am-10:05 am
Rebuilding a Nation: Reconstruction in U.S. History
One of the most controversial and misunderstood eras in American history, the Reconstruction era, was named by historian Eric Foner as the “The Unfinished Revolution”. Reconstruction fundamentally reshaped race and class relations in the South and across the United States. This presentation will center on the African-American experience during Reconstruction. While this era accomplished so much, the promises made during that era went largely unfulfilled.
U.S. History
6-12
9:10 am-10:05 am
The American Revolution from the Native American Perspective
The American Revolution oftentimes excludes numerous groups that can be completely left out of history, in particular Native Americans. Come explore the different points of views, including those of the Cherokee and other Native American nations to better understand how the issues of treaties, cultural stereotypes, identity and sovereignty all came to play during the American Revolution. Resources, including primary source documents, will be provided so that you can include these viewpoints in your classrooms.
U.S. History
6-12
9:10 am-10:05 am
Resumes & Interviews: Tips for Pre-Service & Early Career Teachers
Mr. Adam Dyche and Mr. Jason Jaffe
Competition for social studies openings can be fierce. With hundreds of applicants, how do you stand out in the crowd? Area Department Chairs will walk through job postings, cover letters and resumes, job fairs and networking, and interviews. This session is for current or recent student teachers, or teachers early in their careers. In addition to providing time for answering questions, this session will provide tips and strategies for landing a position in the district of your dreams.
6-12
9:10 am-10:05 am
The Prospect of Regime Change in Russia and Its Implications
Perhaps the most speculative issue since the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian War is the prospects for the longevity of the Putin leadership. Conventional wisdom suggests that regime change is critical to both domestic and foreign policy change in Russia. The implications are far ranging and this session will share visions shaped by responsible analysis.
World History
9-12
9:10 am-10:05 am
Using the History of the Angel Island Immigration Station to Teach Inquiry Skills and the Asian American Pacific Islander Experience
Mr. Ken Garcia-Gonzales and Ms. Denise Gelb
Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have a far-reaching and enduring presence in the United States and are an integral part of U.S. History. Despite this history that stretches back over four hundred plus years, the experiences of AAPI are still often overlooked, forgotten, and misunderstood. In this session, teachers will learn how Facing History and Ourselves’ approach and resources can support educators to engage students in questions about identity, membership, and bring AAPI voices into their classrooms.
U.S. History
6-12
9:10 am-10:05 am
There’s So Much More to Taste: An Exploration of Neurological Integration through Flavor Perception
Flavor perception is often underappreciated for its complexity and for the important role it serves in our lives. One central reason for its complexity is that flavor perception relies on integration of multiple sense systems (i.e., taste, touch, & smell) to give rise to a holistic perception. This session will explore genetic differences in taste receptors and how these contribute to food preferences, the impact of visual cues in flavor perception and individual differences in emotional response and food sensitivities. Relevant student activities and classroom demonstrations will be shared.
Psychology
9-12
9:10 am-10:05 am
Island Geography
The island is a unique geographic feature that often fills our minds with a variety of images, some real and some imagined. We might think of them as fantasy places of escape and adventure or they may serve as symbols of isolation and peril. Case studies of Japan, Cuba, Kiribati, Marshall Islands and Fiji will be examined in regards to these specific island geographies, including both human and physical. The juxtaposition of inaccessibility and connection, isolation and globalization, human- environment interactions and popular imagery versus island realities will also be discussed.
Geography
6-12
9:10 am-10:05 am
Right to Education: The Role of States v. the National Government
This session will explore contemporary challenges to public education. Topics that will be discussed include book bans, “don’t-say-gay” laws, curricular restrictions, limitations on teacher and student speech and more. These issues will be examined through public policy and constitutional lenses. Time for open discussion will also be allotted.
Civics/Gov
9-12
9:10 am-10:05 am
When Private Markets Fail [Virtual presenter]
One of the most important ideas in economics, and often overlooked, is that private markets do not take full account of the "external costs" they impose on the rest of society. These "externalities" can explain everything from traffic congestion to climate change. This session will explore how markets work to society's benefit, what happens when they don't, and what the government can do to better align private behavior with what is good for society overall. Dr. Wheelan will be presenting virtually to an in-person audience.
Economics
9-12
Vitrual
Session III: 10:20-11:15 AM - Speaker Session
10:20 am-11:15 am
The Conviction Conundrum: Illinois Post-Bail Reform
Judge Robert Anderson and Mr. Tom Murray
This presentation will update how prosecutions and convictions have been impacted since the passing of The Fairness Act and related legislation. It will focus on current practices in arrest, the status of bail, and plea bargaining/charge bargaining. This presentation will also clarify the state’s current crime classification, as well as sentencing methodologies which includes indeterminate and determinate sentencing differences, limits on prosecutorial and judicial discretion, and alternatives such as ankle monitoring. Finally, attention will be given to the growing impact of mental health research on the sentencing process. Specific cases from Illinois will be analyzed.
Civics/Gov
9-12
10:20 am-11:15 am
Engaging Student Voice for Inquiry
This interactive session will explore how to engage student voices to cultivate their capacity to develop their own deep and critical inquiries about history and civic life, their identities, and communities. Attendees will learn strategies that make inquiry the primary mode of learning to advance students’ disciplinary content knowledge, and connect that knowledge to students and their communities. Attendees will also walk away with resources that help students cultivate empathy across differences and inquisitiveness to ask difficult questions, which are core to historical understanding and constructive civic participation.
Pedagogy
6-12
10:20 am-11:15 am
The Rise of Conservative Populism in Europe
Since the Brexit referendum that triggered the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union, followed months later by the election of Donald Trump in the United States, increased attention has been paid to the rise of parties and figures. The political right in both Europe and North American share similar platforms, goals and rhetoric. These political leaders can be thought of as ‘populist’ in that they are nationalist who claim to speak to the forgotten, and share contempt for liberal internationalist status quo. Many of these North American and European organizations work together and are united by growing dissatisfaction with, and waning commitment to, electoral democracy itself. This session will explore what caused these parties to gain popularity and discuss whether or not conservative populists are a threat to democracy.
World History
Civics/Gov
9-12
10:20 am-11:15 am
Russia Update: Rethinking the Implications and Consequences of the Russia-Ukraine War
After two years of conflict and catastrophic losses, many of the features of the Russia-Ukraine conflict are still dynamic while others seem “frozen.” This session seeks to take a step back and reflect on the meaning of the war on the combatants, their allies, and the global system at large.
World History
9-12
10:20 am-11:15 am
Voices of the Past: Teaching Slavery, Anti-Slavery, and the Underground Railroad
Slavery is foundational to the United States, but that basic fact can be difficult to adequately address in a classroom. Using local examples of people escaping slavery and primary sources from the national debate over slavery’s place in the growing United States, this presentation provides historical context as well as examples of how to bring in voices of the enslaved and formerly enslaved in your lessons.
U.S. History
6-12
10:20 am-11:15 am
A City of Second Chances: Telling Stories of Chicago’s Immigrants and Refugees
Chicago has long been a landing place for immigrants and refugees. Today, thousands of refugees call the city home and many of them call Roger C. Sullivan High School in Rogers Park their school. This session will highlight journalist Elly Fishman’s immersive account of the world inside Sullivan High School, which she chronicles in her book Refugee High: Coming of Age in America. It will also present her recent work on America’s newcomers and discuss the lessons we can learn from simply listening.
U.S. History
6-12
10:20 am-11:15 am
AP Psychology: Updates, Research, FRQs, Oh My!
This session will discuss the latest updates regarding current AP Psychology content as well as address potential changes to the AP content and exam information. Participants will examine the “pillar” model where research serves as the foundation for the course and look at ways to ensure research is integrated throughout the AP Psychology course. Conversation regarding current free responses and a potential DBQ-style free response will also take place during this session.
Psychology
9-12
10:20 am-11:15 am
Current Economic Outlook
Dr. McGranahan from the Federal Reserve Bank will present the current economic conditions related to output, inflation and the labor market with a focus on the Midwest. The session will also discuss the anticipated trajectory of the economy for the remainder of 2024 and risks to that forecast.
Economics
9-12
10:20 am-11:15 am
Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words
This session will focus on the collected works of England’s Elizabeth I (r. 1558-1603), which will serve as a springboard for a broader investigation of early modern queenship and its modern academic interpretations. This session will explore ways in which Elizabeth Tudor articulated her views on such issues as foreign and domestic policy, courtship and marriage, and religion as well as
consider what Elizabeth’s literary representations indicate about the exercise of female authority
during the sixteenth century, a period dubbed as “an age of queens.”
World History
6-12
10:20 am-11:15 am
Folk and Popular Culture in Japan and in our Own Backyard
The topics of folk and popular culture are ever present and can thus be an ideal way for students to apply learning outside the classroom. Folk and popular culture are often clearly identifiable, but not necessarily two different things. This session will explore Japanese folk and popular culture in regards to technology, architecture, transportation, agriculture, sport, and tourism. This deep dive into Japanese folk and popular culture can help students see the nuance in cultural contexts.
Geography
9-12
Session IV: 12:05-1:00 PM - Speaker Session
12:05 pm-1:00 pm
S.N.C.C and the Underappreciated Role of Students in the Freedom Struggle
Most high school and college students in the United States gain an understanding of the Civil Rights Movement that undervalues the considerable contributions that Black students of their own age made to that struggle. U.S. history textbooks provide detailed analysis of adult organizations from the NAACP and the legal efforts made by Rev. Martin Luther King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference through use of boycotts and marches. But the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, which burst onto the scene in 1960 as the leaders of the lunch counter sit-ins, played a crucial role in energizing and accelerating grassroot protests in that critical decade. This session will explore the tactics, strategies and impact of youth during the Civil Rights Movement.
U.S. History
6-12
12:05 pm-1:00 pm
Evaluating the Middle East reset: Is America's strategic retrenchment working?
Fifteen years ago, the United States was prosecuting two land wars in the Middle East, spending billions of dollars a day in addition to the continuing costs of maintaining an enormous military footprint in the Persian Gulf, North Africa and Central Asia. But beginning with President Obama’s withdrawal from Iraq in 2012 and continuing through the Trump and Biden presidencies, the United States has executed a slow-moving but very real strategic retrenchment from the region. The United States has taken a stance to encourage regional rivals to find a way toward co-existence and has even taken a more hands off approach to peace negotiations in the region. This session will examine the impact of this retrenchment on the Middle East,on the ongoing American struggle with terrorist organizations and on the United States itself. This presentation will also explore America's retrenchment policy and the current Israeli-Hamas conflict.
World History
9-12
12:05 pm-1:00 pm
Role Playing Games as a Pedagogical Tool
Role-playing games (RPGs), such as the Reacting to the Past series which was pioneered by Mark C. Carnes (Professor of History at Barnard College) in the 1990s, required students to explore a topic by taking on roles that encourage them to communicate, collaborate, and compete in order to achieve assigned objectives. This pedagogical approach flips the traditional classroom by placing students at the center of their own learning and transforms the role of the teacher. This session will provide an overview of role playing games as a teaching strategy and an exploration of available games.
Pedagogy
6-12
12:05 pm-1:00 pm
Including Asian American History: Profiling Illinois and Midwest Examples of Agency
While Asian American history often focuses on the West Coast, Asian Americans have also made history here in Illinois and the Midwest that are worthy of inclusion in the classroom. This session will highlight resources and lesson plans about this region’s history, including the Chicagoan and original DREAMER Tereza Lee, the Japanese American resettlement in Chicago and their contribution to the redress movement, and Detroiter Vincent Chin and the creation of the pan-Asian civil rights organization American Citizens for Justice. A brief overview of implementation tools, lessons and resources will help teachers as they continue to include the Asian American experience in their curriculum.
U.S. History
6-12
12:05 pm-1:00 pm
Tif for Tat: Is Tax Increment Financing an Effective Tool to Encourage Economic Redevelopment?
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) was created to help revitalize underdeveloped areas of towns, cities, and counties. This session will explain how TIF’s work, explore criticisms of this financing tool, and provide case studies to evaluate the TIF effectiveness in encouraging economic growth.
Economics
9-12
12:05 pm-1:00 pm
Contemplative Exercises:How Mindfulness can improve SEL and Cognitive Function in your Students
The focus of this session is to provide insight as to how “contemplative studies” and metacognition can improve the social and emotional learning of students as well as foster higher level Bloom’s Taxonomy skills such as analysis, evaluation and creativity. Teachers will learn strategies to improve contemplative insight with their students and will be provided lesson plans that will support this approach in their classrooms.
Pedagogy
6-12
12:05 pm-1:00 pm
Occupied Japan (1945-1952)
On August 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito made his very first radio broadcast to announce Japan’s surrender to the Allied powers. Two weeks later, General Douglas MacArthur, who was the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP), arrived in Tokyo. Thus commenced the seven-year American occupation of Japan, which is considered to be a turning point in Japan’s history. Many of the Occupation reforms are still in place today, including the 1947 Constitution. This session will offer some approaches to the study of this important period in Japan’s history.
World History
6-12
12:05 pm-1:00 pm
Selected Battles That Help Us Understand the American Revolution
While the American War of Independence is a central topic in United States history courses, teachers may not consider exploring its military aspects. This presentation will highlight several key battles of the War including Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, Long Island, Trenton, Saratoga, Rhode Island, and Yorktown. Exploring these battles will provide insights on the weapons used, troop conditions and tactics and strategy involved.
U.S. History
6-12
12:05 pm-1:00 pm
Illinois Voting Laws and Their Publics
Limitations on voting are as old as the United States nation. Who votes determines what the government does, but the government determines who votes in the first place. Using the history of national and state voting laws, this session explores the road to universal suffrage and equal rights and the roadblocks that were established along the way. This session includes reflections of historical voting laws and what the future may look like for the United States and more specifically, Illinois.
Civics/Gov
9-12
12:05 pm-1:00 pm
Working with Primary Sources from the Cradle of Civilization
After the death of Alexander the Great, in the cosmopolis of the Hellenistic world (323-31 BCE), royal women continued to play prominent public roles, but the extent of their power varied dramatically based on the dynasty, generation, geography, and individuality. Utilizing multiple sources to explore the title “queen”, this session will focus on case studies of royal women in the Hellenistic period.
World History
Pedagogy
6-12
Lunch & Learns
Voluntary opportunities to eat, learn, and grow.
Featured Session: The Turbulent 2024 Election: A Teachable Moment -- Dr. Shawn Healy
Location: Auditorium
Change elections are seemingly the new norm in a closely divided country, and as civic educators we must simultaneously navigate turbulent political waters and the teachable moment a presidential election cycle like 2024 represents. Come learn about the current state of the presidential primaries, prospects for the two eventual presidential nominees in the general election, and pivotal contests down the ballot determining control of Congress and state government. Emerge equipped to engage students in conversations about political candidates and prevailing issues, navigating public opinion polling and political advertising, and developing an excitement about and commitment to informed voting in this and future elections.
Getting Emotional Over History: How Social Studies Can Meet SEL Standards (6-12)
Location: Room D105
Using Naper Settlement’s virtual field trip Lessons in Resilience as a model, we will discuss how teaching history allows for effective social-emotional learning outcomes. Historical examples of weather disasters, the tuberculosis pandemic of the 19th and early 20th centuries, and federal policies directed at Japanese and Japanese Americans during World War II allow students to explore primary sources, develop inquiry skills, and build historical empathy as students build their own resilience toolkits.
Presenters: Jessica Toran, Learning Experiences Team Leader
Facing History and Ourselves: Resources for Social Studies Educators
Location: Room D106
Facing History and Ourselves is a global education non-profit organization that challenges teachers and students to use lessons of history to stand up to bigotry and hate. Facing History’s educational content helps students explore questions of identity, human behavior, prejudice, and civic responsibility, and make the essential connection between history and the moral choices they confront in their own lives. Our approach integrates social, emotional, and civic education, and helps build equitable learning environments. During this interactive session, teachers will learn about Facing History’s online resources and teaching strategies.
Presenter: Denise Gelb, Senior Program Director Facing History and Ourselves, Chicago
Introduction to Teaching About Genocide
Location: Room D104
Take a deeper look into the rationale for teaching about genocide, including how to define the term, and discuss the challenges of its legal definition. Together, educators will preview the Illinois Holocaust Museum’s new exhibition, Voices of Genocide, and explore the Museum’s Genocide and Human Rights Virtual Teaching Trunk to help them effectively teach the origins of genocide and learn how to implement age-appropriate classroom activities into their genocide unit.
Presented by Jessica Hulten, Manager of Educational Programs and Outreach
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Cost: $50 per attendee.
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