AUSTIN, Texas—The U.S. Department of Education has awarded The University of Texas at Austin’s UTeach-Liberal Arts program, along with partners the Region XIII Center for Teaching and Learning and the Austin Independent School District, a $1.1 million, three-year grant to promote learning about how the U.S. Constitution affects life today.
The grant will be used to expose 11th grade American history teachers to an in-depth examination of how the Constitution affects current times. Program partners will select and train 45 “teacher leaders” who are expected to train 180 additional teachers after the first year and another 200 in a summer institute during the third year.
“We’re delighted to have the chance to expand understanding of this critical element of American history and its impact on our lives today,” said Dr. Richard Flores, associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts, who oversees the UTeach-Liberal Arts program. “Activities funded through the grant will include a preparation workshop, a 10-day summer institute and evening content enrichment sessions.”
Program content, addressed through the lens of the Constitution, covers the presidential terms of Herbert Hoover through George W. Bush and makes abundant use of primary sources. Issues such as the Watergate scandal, flag-burning and the impeachment process in the Clinton administration are explored. Additional partners in the Teaching American History initiative include the university’s Center for American History, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum and the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center.
The Region XIII Education Service Center provides services to 59 school districts and 18 charter schools in a 16-county area. The Teaching American History Grant program is intended to raise student achievement by improving teachers’ knowledge, understanding and appreciation of American history.
For more information contact: Elva Gladney, 512-471-6574.
