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:

Social Studies Curriculum Samples UPDATE!

The curriculum samples are now available in Microsoft Word to support educators' ability to modify and personalize the units for their classroom. Resources have also been added to the site.
Posted: March 15, 2013

National Council for Geographic Education Annual Conference

Call for proposals extended to April 10th!  NCGE is looking for Colorado educators to present information on their best classroom techniques, new ideas, and approaches to teaching geography. To submit a proposal, click here.
Posted: April 1, 2013

Resistance in the Ghetto: The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising

The Colorado Holocaust Educators are presenting a 3 hour workshop on the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.  The workshop will be held at Mullen High School on Thursday, April 18th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm.  For more information and to register for this event, click here.
Posted: February 7, 2013

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. 

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.