I am excited to introduce myself as the new Educational Program Professional for Social Studies in Nevada. My name is Amanda Adams Hughes, and I bring with me 26 years of dedication to the field of education, including 23 years in public school classrooms and 2 years as a Curriculum and Instruction Director. Originally from Texas, I spent a year in Mineral County, NV, gaining valuable insights into the unique educational landscape of the great state of Nevada.

I am passionate about making education accessible and engaging for all students and am eager to bring my skills and experience to this new role. I look forward to working together with all of you to enhance social studies education across Nevada, fostering collaboration and student success through innovative teaching methods.

All high schools can nominate students, additionally, students may self-nominate. Students can be nominated by completing the student nomination form. All nominations must be submitted by 5 pm September 27, 2024. You can access the nomination form here.

Nominated students will receive an application on by October 2, 2024. Students must submit their full application by 5 PM, November 1, 2024. Applications must include:

• Application
• Essays
• Four letters of recommendation

Completed applications must be submitted by 5pm on November 1, 2024. Please submit letters of recommendation to Amanda Hughes at amanda.hughes@doe.nv.gov.

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Selected scholars will receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion. Don't miss this chance to be part of a legacy that began in 1964, honoring nearly 8,500 exceptional students. Nominations are due by November 1, 2024. Apply now and shine as a 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholar! 🌟

• For more details, visit the website.

As your new EPP I would like to offer my services. We are a diverse state, and our districts have very different needs. Please reach out to me if I can support you. I have included upcoming PD that may be of interest. I am available to to provide guidance on any of the following as well as specific topics that may arise:

Policy and Standards Implementation

Presentations and Speakers

Professional Development Planning

Curriculum alignment, review, and selection

Data Analysis and Reporting

Instructional Coaching

Resource Sharing

Leadership Development

Equity and Inclusion

Assessment and Accountability

Junior Achievement of Nevada (JA Nevada) is a non-profit organization that aims to equip young people with financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship skills. They offer educational programs for various age groups, including JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, which provide hands-on activities and interactive lessons. JA Nevada relies on community involvement and volunteers to enhance the learning experience. The organization aims to reach thousands of students annually, making a significant impact on their understanding of financial literacy and career readiness. Recent developments include expansion and innovation, partnerships with local businesses, and success stories from students participating in JA BizTown.

Can't make the trip? JA volunteers will come to you! Contact me for more information or to schedule a visit.

What the statue says specific to Social Studies: Complete statue can be found here.

Sec. 2. NRS 389.018 is hereby amended to read as follows: 389.018 1. The following subjects are designated as the core academic subjects that must be taught, as applicable for grade levels, in all public schools, the Caliente Youth Center, the Nevada Youth Training Center and any other state facility for the detention of children that is operated pursuant to title 5 of NRS:

(d) Social studies, which includes only the subjects of history, geography, economics, civics, financial literacy and [government.] multicultural education.

2. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a pupil
enrolled in a public high school must enroll in a minimum of

(d) Three units of credit in social studies, including, without limitation:
(1) American government;

(2) American history; and

(3) World history or geography.

Standard Diploma Requirements:

American History I

American Government .5

Economics and Financial Literacy .5

Geography or World History (elective or humanities)

Advanced Diploma or CCR Diploma

American History I

American Government .5

Economics and Financial Literacy .5

Geography or World History (elective, humanities, or Social Studies if full year course)

Social Studies 1

Note the following:

In a standard diploma Geography and World History are not listed but are required as either an elective or a Humanities.

In the Advanced/CCR Diploma World Geography and World History can be taken as elective, social studies or humanities.

Flex Credits:

For students to use a third-year social studies for Flex Credit, a student must successfully complete the full year of coursework. Students are not allowed to use partial credits, such as a half-credit earned in two or more of the courses towards the Flex Credit requirements.

The What

Mingle Pair Shares are a great way to get students moving around the classroom and talking to different classmates. Use this strategy to encourage students to hear from a variety of perspectives in response to an open-ended question or experience.

The How

1. Pose a question or open-ended reflection prompt that will elicit a variety of responses from different students in the class.

2. Play 10-20 seconds of music as students mingle around the class, similar to musical chairs.

3. When the music stops, prompt each student to find a close-by partner and give that person a high five.

4. Allow partners to discuss their responses to the prompt.

5. After a short, timed discussion period, the music begins again and the protocol repeats.

• Each time the music stops, students should try to find a new partner.

• Students may be given a new prompt or question during each round, if desired.

About the Podcast: 60-Second Civics is a daily podcast that provides a quick and convenient way for listeners to learn about our nation’s government, the Constitution, and our history. The podcast explores themes related to civics and government, the constitutional issues behind the headlines, and the people and ideas that formed our nation’s history and government. Related Bell Ringer/Warm Up questions are included. Past episode can be accessed as well

Amanda J. A. Hughes, MS

Education Programs Professional

Social Studies | Financial Literacy

Nevada Department of Education

Office of Teaching and Learning

755 Roop St. Suite 201

Carson City, NV 89701

amanda.hughes@doe.nv.gov

(775) 687-5931