[hr-education-na] 84th NCSS Annual Conference: Democracy and Diversity - Social Studies in Action (Baltimore, Nov. 19-21, 2004)

Greetings, Social Studies Educators,

On behalf of the NCSS Conference Program Planning Committee, it is our
pleasure to invite you to attend the 84th NCSS Annual Conference to be
held in Baltimore, Maryland November 19 - 21, 2004. The national and local
planning committees have worked tirelessly over the past two years to put
together an Annual Conference that includes hundreds of exhibit booths,
300 professional development sessions, dozens of clinics and tours -- and
two Pulitzer Prize Winners. We have unabashedly labeled this year's
Conference the 'ultimate experience for the social studies educator.'

Using the rich history of the greater Baltimore area and the mid-Atlantic
seaboard as a physical context, the speakers, vital issues and regular
sessions and workshops, and on-site and off-site activities provide
attendees with a unique perspective on the Conference theme, "Democracy
and Diversity: Social Studies in Action." From a general perspective, the
experiences selected for this three-day event explore the meaning of
democratic foundations and the diversity that has always characterized our
global community. Within our borders and beyond, the speakers and sessions
explore a myriad of issues that emerge from those perennial questions we
social studies educators ask ourselves: What is democracy? What is
diversity? Have the meanings of these terms changed over the years? Do
they mean different things to different people? In those countries where
competitiveness and self-interest overshadow community, what is the tenor
of dialogue concerning these terms? What will the dialogue be like in the
21st century? On Friday, speakers and vital issues sessions will chronicle
the American Experience -- our achievements, setbacks, challenges, and
goals. The day begins with two outstanding speakers offering their
interpretations of that experience: historian Gail Collins, author of
America's Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroines; and
historian and multiculturalist Carlos Cortes, author of The Making and
Remaking of a Multiculturalist. Vital issues sessions address such topics
as the Vietnam War and the cultural and political wars over K-12 social
studies instruction, and remind us of the many challenges we face when
providing students with powerful social studies instruction. A special
program entitled "Black Saga" highlights Greater Baltimore students
demonstrating their knowledge of African American history. The final
speaker of the day is Pulitzer Prize Winner Garry Wills, author of Lincoln
at Gettysburg, who will enlighten us on the impact of presidential
personalities on the American psyche.

On Saturday the conference takes on an international perspective as
Pulitzer Prize Winner Samantha Power, author of "A Problem from Hell":
America and the Age of Genocide offers her insights into America?s foreign
policy. Her talk becomes particularly important in light of recent
developments in the Sudan. Other speakers include Newsweek Washington
Correspondent Eleanor Clift, who will comment on the recent national
elections. Vital issues sessions will address the impact of "No Child Left
Behind" on social studies; the status of civic education in the United
States; a chronicle of the life and times of the late president, Ronald
Reagan; and another look at Auschwitz as a result of recent scholarship
made available with the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Sunday morning opens with "The War that Made America," a vital issues
session on the four part documentary on the French and Indian War which
will air on PBS in the autumn of 2005. ABC's John Stossel will be a
featured speaker, commenting on "John Stossel in the Classroom." Later
that day, for the first time ever the Annual Conference will be open to
the public for a planned panel entitled "The Impact of the 1960s on Race
Relations: What Lies Ahead for Americans." A group of Greater Baltimore
residents will discuss the progress and challenges Baltimore has
experienced over the past four decades in this area. The goal of the panel
is to identify the importance of K-12 social studies education in helping
all students pursue Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream.

Baltimore's Inner Harbor offers its guests a variety of attractions,
panoramic views, social activities, and an array of restaurants that will
satisfy anyone's palate. Our Conference tours are designed to highlight
the diversity of this city of neighborhoods, bringing participants face to
face with a variety of cultures...and even a few ghosts. Don't miss this
opportunity to experience our country's early history while attending a
conference that offers you a wealth of intellectually stimulating
experiences.

Our Conference is an ever-evolving program of exciting opportunities for
growth, education, and professional development. Planning for the program
continues well into the fall, so be sure to check our website often for
the latest news and additions to the Conference agenda.

Make plans now to join us this November and be one of the many who will
experience the first NCSS Conference to be held in Baltimore, Maryland --
and return to your classroom ready to inspire your students to imagine and
believe.

Jesus Garcia and Sari Bennett, Planning Committee Co-Chairs


To learn more about the conference, registration, program, etc. visit:
http://www.socialstudies.org/conference/about/


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