The newly adopted California History-Social Science Framework provides instructional guidelines focused on content, literacy, inquiry, and citizenship. This website provides a number of professional development opportunities and resources to assist K-12 teachers with implementing the Framework in preparing all students to be informed, responsible, and engaged citizens in our democratic society.
California Democracy School
Ethnic Studies
C3 Framework
History Day LA
FAIR Act
State Seal of Civic Engagement
Upcoming Events
- January 2026
- February 2026
- March 2026
- April 2026
- May 2026
AI in the History Classroom: Tools, Tips and Transformation
As AI tools like ChatGPT become more accessible in classrooms, educators face the challenge of integrating them in ways that enhance learning without encouraging shortcuts.
This two-day professional development session equips teachers with strategies for modeling and teaching effective prompting techniques while fostering critical thinking and academic integrity.
Participants will explore practical classroom applications and discuss real-world examples. Learn how to guide students in using AI responsibly as a tool for exploration, not a substitute for learning. Walk away with resources, prompt templates, and an ethical framework to support your students in navigating the AI-powered future.
Two-Day Session Information:
- Date: Jan. 28 and 29, 2026
- Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Location: LACOE ECW – Conference Room A
Teaching About Religion in History
The California social studies curriculum for middle school calls for teaching about world religions in sixth and seventh grades, as well as teaching about the role of religion and freedom of conscience in American history from the American Revolution through the 19th century in eighth grade.
This one-day workshop would equip middle-school teachers with the tools to teach about religion in a way that accords with the best practices aligned with the First Amendment, as explained in the California History Social-Science Framework (2016) and the AAR Guidelines for Teaching About Religion in K-12 Public Schools in the United States (2010).
Session Information:
- Date: Feb. 11, 2026
- Time: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
- Location: LACOE ECW – Conference Room A
Ethnic Studies Summit – Day Three
Join us for the final day of the three-day institute dedicated to exploring best practices in Ethnic Studies. This professional learning opportunity is designed for educators seeking practical, research-based strategies to create more inclusive and responsive classrooms.
Workshops by:
- Dr. Nadine Smith
- UCI History Project
Workshop Details
- Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
- Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Location: LACOE, ECW - Conference Room B
- Cost: $250 Daily ($650 for all three days of the Summit)
- Includes breakfast, lunch and instructional resources
Ethnic Studies: Teacher Led Symposium – Day Three
Day three theme: The Four Themes of Ethnic Studies in Action
Learn from classroom teachers who model lessons that bring these themes to life in meaningful, student-centered ways.
Keynote Speaker:
- Dr. Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
- Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Location: LACOE, ECW - Conference Room A
- Cost: $130 Daily
- Includes breakfast, lunch, and instructional resources
First Voices: The People of the Los Angeles River Basin
This training for elementary teachers offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from Gabrieleno/Tongva tribal educators about the history, culture, and ongoing presence of the First People of the Los Angeles Basin.
Participants will explore place-based knowledge and Indigenous perspectives, gaining insight into respectful, accurate, and engaging ways to teach local tribal history and contributions in the elementary classroom.
Through immersive, hands-on sessions led by Gabrieleno/Tongva community leaders, educators will connect land, culture, and storytelling in meaningful and authentic ways.
Session Information:
- Date: April 16, 2025
- Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Location: Kuruvungna Village Springs
- 1439 S. Barrington Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Student Leaders in Action: A Civic Learning Celebration
Students, educators and community members are invited to see how schools are empowering student voice through civic education. This event is hosted by LACOE and the Orange County Department of Education.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
- Time: 9 - 11:30 a.m.
- Location: The Nixon Library
- 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
