*Please fill out this intake form to begin the PLO scheduling process.
Note: Submit requests at least 4 weeks in advance of the anticipated delivery date. 

Elementary Social Studies

1. Social Studies Skills and ELA Connections: Adjusting the Lens
This session explores connections between Social Studies skills and English Language Arts standards by demonstrating how district-adopted ELA instructional materials can be used to build both historical thinking and literacy skills. Through hands-on analysis of text features, visual sources, and writing activities, participants will examine strategies that strengthen students’ ability to gather evidence, analyze sources, and construct meaning across content areas. Teachers will leave with practical, classroom-ready approaches that support ELA reading and writing standards while deepening students’ understanding of social studies.
Subjects/Grade Levels: K-5 Social Studies Teachers
Session offerings: 1 hour, November – May
Format: Face-to-Face; Virtual

2. Social Studies Content with ELA R.1 for Grades K-2
This session will focus on using instructional resources to integrate social studies content with early ELA research skill development seamlessly. Participants will explore strategies for engaging students in identifying information, asking and answering questions, and narrowing and broadening thinking about social studies concepts. Emphasis will be placed on incorporating ELA R.1 to strengthen students' ability to gather evidence effectively through social studies concept practice.
Subjects/Grade Levels: K-2 Social Studies Teachers
Session offerings: 1.5-2 hours, November – May
Format: Face-to-Face; Virtual

3. Social Studies Content with ELA R.1 for Grades 3-5
This session will focus on using instructional resources to integrate social studies content with ELA research skill development seamlessly. Participants will explore strategies for engaging students in researching, analyzing, and evaluating information from multiple sources while deepening their understanding of social studies concepts. Emphasis will be placed on incorporating ELA R.1 to strengthen students' ability to gather and use evidence from texts effectively through social studies content.
Subjects/Grade Levels: 3-5 Social Studies Teachers
Session offerings: 2-3 hours, November – May
Format: Face-to-Face; Virtual

Middle-Level Social Studies/Civics

1. The Palmetto Civics Project
Discover how the Palmetto Civics Project is equipping educators across our state with standards-aligned resources that connect students to the people, places, and principles that have helped shape our nation.  This session will showcase innovative instructional materials, hands-on learning opportunities, and place-based experiences to help make civic learning meaningful, relevant, and inspiring.
Subjects/Grade Levels: Middle Level and Secondary Social Studies Teachers, Middle-Level ELA Teachers, and Instructional Coaches
Session offerings: 60 minutes, October – January
Format: Face-to-Face; Virtual

Secondary Social Studies

1. Helping Students Think, Question, and Reason
Helping students to analyze history requires more than simply teaching content. This session explores practical strategies that encourage students to ask questions, analyze evidence, discuss different perspectives, and draw informed conclusions about the past. Teachers will leave with classroom-ready resources and activities that fit naturally into the curriculum they already teach.
Subjects/Grade Levels: Secondary Social Studies Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Session offerings: 3 hours, October – January
Format: Face-to-Face; Virtual

2. Helping Students Make Sense of Historical Texts
Historical reading can be challenging for many students. This session focuses on practical strategies that help students read, discuss, and analyze historical sources with greater confidence and understanding. Participants will explore classroom-ready tools and routines that support comprehension while helping students engage more deeply with history.
Subjects/Grade Levels: Secondary Social Studies Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Session offerings: 3 hours, October – January
Format: Face-to-Face; Virtual

Social Studies Assessment

If you are requesting school or district-specific professional development about Social Studies Assessment, please submit requests at least 4 weeks in advance of the anticipated delivery date to Shelley Britt at ssbritt@ed.sc.gov.

1. The USHC EOCEP Assessment Structure
Session Description: This session explores ways to view and use summative assessment data and provides an overview of the EOCEP test development process. Participants will review USHC EOCEP assessment resources, including the test blueprint, data review report, and sample item types, and use self-assessment tools to reflect on their learning.
Audience: USHC Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Administrators, Social Studies Specialists
Presentation Format: Face-to-Face; Virtual
Time: 1-1.5 hours
Contact: Shelley Britt at ssbritt@ed.sc.gov

2. Aligning Assessments with the USHC Standards
Session Description: This session provides strategies to help further align classroom assessments to meet the expectations of the U.S. History and Constitution course standards. Participants will unpack and evaluate questions using the USHC EOCEP Performance Level Descriptors and leave empowered with tools to successfully revise their assessments.
Audience: USHC Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Administrators, Social Studies Specialists
Presentation Format: Face-to-Face
Time: 2 hours
Contact: Shelley Britt at ssbritt@ed.sc.gov