Our Investigating History Professional Development Opportunities are Endless

Academic Discoveries is a dynamic team of seasoned educators who are passionate about transforming professional development and educational best practices. Our diverse team comprises former elementary, middle school, and high school teachers, as well as principals, special education directors, superintendents, and curriculum supervisors, all with a deep commitment to enhancing the social studies curriculum in Massachusetts.

With a collective experience spanning over two centuries in the education sector, our consultants bring unparalleled expertise in curriculum alignment and implementation. We are at the forefront of innovative educational approaches, specializing in inquiry-based practices, Universal Design for Learning, integrated instructional strategies, and differentiation. These approaches ensure that we effectively cater to the diverse needs of all students, including those with disabilities and multilingual learners.

Our Expertise

  • Inquiry-Based Practices: We champion a student-centered approach that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through active exploration and investigation.

  • Universal Design for Learning: We embrace a framework that provides multiple means of representation, engagement, and action, ensuring that all learners can access and participate in meaningful learning experiences.

  • Integrated Instructional Strategies: We advocate for a holistic approach that connects different subject areas and learning experiences, promoting a deeper understanding of concepts and real-world applications.

  • Differentiation: We recognize the unique strengths and needs of each learner, providing tailored instruction and support to maximize their potential.

Our Commitment

At Academic Discoveries, we are committed to empowering both educators and students. Every learner deserves a high-quality education that prepares them for success in the 21st century. Our team is committed to providing ongoing support and professional development, ensuring that educators have the tools and resources they need to create inclusive and engaging learning environments.

Partner with Us

We invite you to partner with us on your journey to educational excellence. Together, we can create a brighter future for all learners. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your school or district.

Our team of professional development providers boasts extensive experience in developing the Investigating History curriculum. This includes contributing as writers for the curriculum itself, collaborating as co-designers specifically for the elementary grades component, and serving as co-authors for the background briefs that support the middle school curriculum.

At Academic Discoveries, professional development is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. That's why we collaborate closely with school districts to design and deliver bespoke professional development sessions that cater to the specific requirements and challenges of each district. Our team of experienced educators and curriculum specialists work hand-in-hand with district leaders and teachers to identify areas of need, develop targeted learning objectives, and create engaging and informative professional learning experiences.

Our professional development offerings are based on the Investigating History curriculum and are designed to equip educators with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to implement the curriculum in their classrooms effectively. Through a combination of interactive workshops, hands-on activities, and collaborative learning opportunities, we provide teachers with the tools and resources to create rich and meaningful learning experiences for their students.

Our ultimate goal is to foster a deep understanding of social studies content and pedagogy among educators, while also building their confidence and competence in delivering high-quality social studies instruction. By providing ongoing support and guidance, we aim to ensure that all educators feel equipped and empowered to meet the diverse needs of their students, creating inclusive and engaging learning environments where all students can thrive.

  • Leadership Institute I (Single Day): Using Learning Walks to Support an Effective Implementation of Investigating History

    Maximize the success of your rollout of Investigating History by giving your leaders the tools they need to support the initiative. We can coach your leadership team by crafting a vision aligning with your district goals and creating “look-fors” in preparation for learning walks. We will preview and debrief learning walks with you and help develop action steps to support teachers where they are.

    Full Day: $3,000

    Two Days: $5,500 (includes Institute I and Institute II)

    Leadership Institute II (Single Day) Managing Complex Change

    The inquiry-based approach to Investigating History requires a shift in pedagogy for some educators as they are challenged to think about social studies instruction in new ways. We can provide leadership strategies to help identify and eliminate common obstacles to change and help foster a collaborative, student-centered culture.

    Full Day: $3,000

    Two Days: $5,500 (includes Institute I and Institute II)

    Unit Launch Institute. This session engages teachers and leaders in launching new units to ensure a deeper understanding of implementation. We will examine content, process, and pedagogy to ensure alignment and support student learning.

    Full Day: $3,000

  • Applying UDL Strategies to Investigating History

    Universal Design for Learning is a framework that aims to create accessible learning environments for all students. In this session, we will highlight UDL tenets in the routines of Investigating History and provide strategies for teachers to help students engage with content, access information, and demonstrate their understanding.

    Full Day (includes collaborative planning time to implement strategies):  $3,000

    Part Day: $1,800

    Supporting Multilingual Learners (MLs)

    This informative session equips educators with actionable strategies and concrete tools to effectively support multilingual learners (MLs) within their classrooms. Participants will delve into practical techniques designed to enhance MLs' comprehension and engagement as they navigate the complexities of historical inquiry using the Investigating History curriculum. The session will explore differentiated instructional approaches, scaffolding techniques, and culturally responsive practices that empower MLs to participate actively in learning and achieve academic success.

    Full Day - $3,000

    Part  Day - $1,800

    Supporting Students with Disabilities

    This professional development session is designed to equip educators with practical strategies and tools to effectively support students with disabilities as they engage with the curriculum through Investigating History. Participants will delve into a range of evidence-based instructional practices, explore ways to modify and adapt curriculum materials, and learn how to implement differentiated instruction to create a more inclusive and accessible learning environment. The session will also highlight the importance of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and provide specific examples of how to apply them within the context of Investigating History to meet the diverse needs of all learners.

    Full Day - $3,000

    Part  Day - $1,800

    Engaging Discussion Protocols for Meaningful Outcomes

    In Investigating History, students use collaborative discussion protocols to synthesize their learning and answer the big questions. In this session, we’ll practice some talk moves and collaboration strategies to help your students see each other as partners in learning. Develop your skills in facilitating open discussions!

    Full Day - $3,000

    Part Day - $1,800

    Student-Centered Learning: Creating a Classroom Environment Where Students Lead the Learning

    The routines in Investigating History put students in the driver’s seat of their learning. In this session, we will review collaboration and discussion strategies to practice with your students, helping them work together to grapple with big ideas, synthesize learning, and craft claims supported by evidence.

    Full Day: $3,000

    Part Day: $1,800

    Looking at Student Work 

    Grade-level teams will collaborate to select exemplary student work samples from their classrooms that showcase various levels of achievement based on shared rubrics. These rubrics will be applied to both formative and summative assessments throughout the learning process. The teams will then engage in a reflective review of the rubrics to ensure their effectiveness in accurately and consistently assessing student performance and growth. This collaborative process will promote a deeper understanding of assessment practices and support equitable evaluation of student learning.

    Full Day - $3,000

    Part Day - $1,800

    Inquiry-Based Learning - Fostering Curiosity and Critical Thinking

    The pedagogy of Investigating History is based on Inquiry-Based Learning, where curiosity drives students to ask questions, investigate sources, and use critical thinking strategies to integrate what they learn. In this session, we will explore examples of inquiry-based practices found in the curriculum to help teachers facilitate routines with their students.

    Full Day - $3,000

    Part Day - $1,800

    Building Literacy Using Investigating History (Grades 3 and 4) 

    Did you know that literacy standards are taught and assessed in Investigating History? In this session, you'll identify literacy standards embedded within Investigating History units that can be used to supplement your literacy instruction. We’ll also explore integrating reading and writing tasks from IH into literacy and WIN blocks.

    Full Day: $3,000

    Part Day: $1,800

  • Time on Learning in Elementary Social Studies

    There is a lot to juggle as you implement a new, comprehensive social studies curriculum!  Learn how to manage your time, practice, and materials to reach all learners in limited periods.

    Full Day: $3,000

    Part Day: $1,800

    Curriculum Mapping

    Create a curriculum map to support lesson planning and pacing and ensure priority standards are taught and assessed.

    Full Day: $3,000

    Half Day: $1,800

    Meet the Writer

    How do writers of Investigating History get at the heart of the content to make learning memorable? What are the features of IH that writers hope every teacher will use to enhance their teaching? Meet a writer of multiple Grades 3 and 4 Investigating History units to learn more about how inquiry-based learning and student discourse help students engage with complex topics.

    Single session (approx. 1.5 hours) - $750

  • Academic Discoveries offers multi-day, full-day, part-day, and remote professional development based on individual school and district needs and interests. We will consult with administrators and teacher leaders in advance to determine the number of sessions, the length of time, and the format and review the materials to be presented.

    Part-Day Training

    Select a modified training from our available offerings.  See the pricing listed below the description.

    Full-Day Training

    Select a full-day training from our offerings. See the pricing listed below the description.  (note: excludes one and two-day institutes)

    Multi-Day Training

    Select multiple training days that can be arranged concurrently or separately by week. (note: excludes two-day institutes).  

    Pricing is dependent on the number of days secured for training.

    Comprehensive Partnerships

    Take advantage of our commitment to partnering with your school or district for a partial or complete year of academic and implementation support.  

    Pricing depends on the days secured for in-person visits, virtual/in-person training sessions, and virtual/in-person meetings. 

    Check-Ins

    Check-in with Academic Discoveries daily, weekly, or monthly for as long as necessary to ensure you stay on the implementation track. Check-ins may include virtual and/or in-person meetings lasting approximately one hour.

    Pricing depends on how many check-ins your school and/or district contract with Academic Discoveries.

    Online Workshop Series to Support Investigating History Implementation

    Join a synchronous or asynchronous course to learn at your own pace. This is a great way to earn  Professional Development Points (PDPs)  in the History/Social Science content area.  Courses will be bundled and include a final product.

    Pricing depends on the number of courses a teacher registers for in agreement with the district and based on PDPs offered.

    Individual or Small-Group Coaching

    Take advantage of additional guidance and support for teachers and administrators, individually or in groups.  Investigating History topics will be determined by the school/district in consultation with Academic Discoveries.

    Pricing depends on the number of participants and sessions that your school and/or district contracts with Academic Discoveries.