In this session, we will explore evidence-based strategies to assess and deepen student understanding. Participants will learn how to incorporate retrieval practice, formative assessments, and critical thinking exercises to foster student engagement and retention of key historical concepts. This session will offer practical tools and approaches for checking student comprehension in real-time, adapting instruction to meet diverse needs, and promoting inquiry-based learning that cultivates critical analysis and reflection. Teachers will leave with ready-to-implement strategies designed to enhance both teaching effectiveness and student outcomes in the social studies classroom.