The Colorado Department of Education

Offices | Staff Contacts | Colorado.gov

Social Studies

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically… Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education." ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

"Social studies is the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence. Today’s social studies provides students with the knowledge, critical thinking skills and experiences that will allow them to grow into effective citizens.” ~ NCSS

This site provides a hub of Social Studies information and resources to support the academic achievement of all students in Colorado.

Content support through the Colorado Department of Education will address essential elements of a comprehensive district plan to offer standards based teaching and learning. Our intent is to:

  • provide tools and supports,
  • deliver clear, timely communication,
  • enhance collaboration between and among all stakeholders,
  • identify research-based approaches to curriculum development and teaching and learning,
  • promote professional development opportunities, and
  • align and integrate elements of CDE's Strategic Initiatives where appropriate.

We aim to to provide tool for the empowerment of all stakeholders to actively participate in the process of implementing the Colorado Academic and English Language Proficiency Standards and transforming teaching and learning throughout the State of Colorado.

Important Announcements:

Colorado Environmental Education Plan (CEEP):

The Colorado Kids Outdoors Grant Program Legislation, HB10-1131, was signed into law in May 2010. This legislation requires the State Board of Education to adopt a statewide plan for environmental education. In December 2012, the Colorado State Board of Education formally adopted the Colorado Environmental Education Plan.  To read more about CEEP, click here

Apply for a Great-West Great-Teachers grant of up to $5,000 to fund financial literacy programs in your classroom. Colorado P-12 teachers are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is March 4th at midnight. To sign up for an informational webinar or to apply online, click here.

Taking a Stand: Youth Against Genocide Youth Conference

This youth conference, sponsored by the Colorado Coalition for Genocide Awareness and Action will take place on March 10, 2013.  More information will be available soon. 

Posted: January 8, 2013

CCSS Conference

The annual conference of the Colorado Council for the Social Studies will be held April 5 2013 at the Doubletree Hotel in the  Denver Tech Center at 7801 East Orchard Road. Online registration is now open with a special offer for current members when registering a new member. Information can be found at http://cosocialstudies.org/conferences.php.
Posted: January 8, 2013

Content Connections

Content Connection Samples are designed to provide examples of cross-content (multi-disciplinary) connections within the Colorado Academic Standards at grades kindergarten through 5.
Posted: January 3, 2013

PLC Bytes:

Find more PLC Bytes here.

For website assistance in Social Studies, please contact Stephanie Hartman.