National History Day in Minnesota

Program Basics

What is History Day?Research basedTeacher-drivenBuilds skills – research, writing, reading,

organizationConnects to Social Studies and ELA

research standards

What is History Day?“NHD students outperform their non-HD

peers on state standardized tests in multiple subjects, including reading, science and math, as well as social studies.” (p.5)

“NHD students are critical thinkers who can digest, analyze and synthesize information.” (p. 8)

“NHD students learn 21st century college- and career- ready skills. They learn to collaborate with team members, talk to experts, manage their time and persevere.” (p. 8)

What is History Day?Student decisions:

Topic selection – World, American, Minnesota, etc.

Individual or group (up to 5)Presentation format (website, documentary,

performance, exhibit, paper)Research – library, archive, historic site,

databaseTeacher’s Rule

WorkshopsSchool Visits by staffMentorsMaterials – Master Teacher Network

Models of History Day Participation• Social Studies/ History Classroom Assignment

Projects usually account for 25 to 50% of overall gradeStudents advancing to HD events usually receive extra credit for participationMinimum of 10 weeks to complete the assignment

• Alternative Classroom Enrichment AssignmentStudents have completed the standard curriculum Students can choose to substitute an in-depth research assignment or other tests to participate in History Day

• Gifted/Talented Enrichment ActivityHD is offered as part of menu of co-curricular and extra

curricular activitiesClassroom credit is optional

Theme 2012Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History

Revolution – an overthrow and replacement of an established government; radical and pervasive change in society and social structure; sudden, complete or marked change in something; cycle of successive events or changes

Reaction – action in response to some influence or event

Reform – the improvement or amendment of what is wrong, corrupt, or unsatisfactory; to change to a better state or form

2013 – Turning Points in History

Program Structure in Minnesota

Program Coordinator

Program Specialists/ Associates

Library Partners (CRPSLA, Wilson, Minitex, SCSU, SELCO, etc.)

U of MN T.A./ Mentors

MNSCU mentors

Misc. History Day operatives ex. Historic sites Local/ County historical

societies former History Day participants

Judges

The Contest

National Event: Univ. of MD, College Park

June, 2012

Regional Events:Defined by ECSU boundaries, 13 contests occur throughout the

month of March – 4500 students participate at colleges and universities.

State Event: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

April 29, 2012

School Events:Take place in individual schools, organized by a lead teacher or

coordinator—generally occur in February - 30,000 student participation

Junior - Grades 6 -8 Senior - Grades 9 - 12

Assessment - Historical Quality

Assessment - Connection to the Theme

Assessment- Clarity of Presentation