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Organizations, Programs, & Projects
National
Accuracy in Academia - A non-profit research group that wants schools to return to their traditional
mission--the quest for truth. To promote this goal, AIA documents and publicizes political bias in education in Campus Report, its monthly newsletter. CR articles focus on the use of classroom and
university resources to indoctrinate students; discrimination against students, faculty, or administrators based on political or academic beliefs; and campus violations of free speech.
American Association of School Administrators - Founded in 1865, the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders across the United States including superintendents, CEO's, and
senior-level administrators from school districts in every region of the country. AASA aims to support
and develop effective school system leaders dedicated to quality public education for all children. It helps to shape educational policy, oversee its implementation, and represent school districts to the
public at large.
American Bar Association's Division for Public Education - Educates the public about the law and its role in society. The division develops and supports law-related education (LRE) to prepare students for
responsible citizenship and is committed to liberty, justice, and the rule of law. It provides information about practical law, legal terms, Supreme Court cases, public policy issues, and directories of K-12
law-related education projects. LRE can be infused into various subjects, offering ideas about Law Day and Student Court and providing information about national and state projects. Teaching tools include
the award-winning magazine, Insights on Law and Society, class lessons, mock trials, quizzes, newsletters, conferences, and youth programs. Students can find information about considering a career
in law and an on-line Youth Summit.
American Center for Law and Justice - A non-profit organization committed to insuring the ongoing viability of constitutional freedoms and dedicated to the concept that freedom and democracy are
God-given inalienable rights that must be protected. Specializing in constitutional law, the ACLJ engages in litigation, provides legal services, renders advice, counsels clients, provides education, and
supports attorneys who are involved in defending religious and civil liberties of America. As a non-profit, the ACLJ does not charge for legal services. The site includes court hearings and updates, interviews,
current events, media briefs, and an action center to sign petitions, contact officials, and donate.
American Christian Heritage Center - Dedicated to renewing patriotism and moral values of and in America. ACHC aims to promote interest and understanding of the Christian roots of the nation, the
intent of the Founding Fathers and the Constitution through educational displays, resources, and events, and to advocate the maintenance of Biblical principles in society.
American Historical Association - A professional association for historians and K-16 history teachers,
has a long-standing commitment to teaching and history education at all levels. The teaching division provides guidelines to promote teaching excellence and establishes criteria for standards in social
studies, supports National History Day, sponsors sessions, and offers prizes and awards. The K-12 Teaching Collaborative includes an archive of current collaborative projects plus opportunities for analysis
of educational objectives. Perspectives, the association's publication, features articles on teaching issues and concerns; a link is provided to the American Historical Review. The site includes a link to U.
S. Department of Education grant information for Teaching American History, an index of teaching publications, and links to other history education organizations.
American Legion - Chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, mutual-help, war-time veterans
community-service organization which now numbers 3 million members, men and women, in 15,000 American Legion Posts worldwide. The American Legion aims to uphold and defend the Constitution;
maintain law and order; foster and perpetuate Americanism; preserve memories and incidents of associations in the Great Wars; inculcate individual obligation to community, state and nation; combat
autocracy; make right the master of might; promote peace and goodwill; safeguard and transmit to posterity principles of justice, freedom and democracy; and uphold comradeship through mutual helpfulness.
American Veterans In Domestic Defense - A non-profit organization that aims to serve and defend the
United States by addressing domestic challenges and issues--social, political, spiritual, economic, legal, and educational--and upholding the vision and principles of America's Forefathers honored in the
Constitution and the Bill of Rights. AVIDD promotes citizen awareness and education, citizen responsibility, responsible leadership, justice, defense, and positive family and social values. It also
supports and encourages individuals, organizations, and corporations who uphold moral principles and laws under the Constitution.
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) - A non-profit, non-partisan organization addressing all aspects of effective teaching and learning--professional development, educational
leadership, and capacity building. ACSD represents 175,000 educators from more than 135 countries. Members span the education profession--superintendents, teachers, principals, ED professors, and
school board members. The site includes information on archived and current membership/subscription publications like Curriculum Handbook, Classroom Leadership, Educational Leadership, Curriculum
Technology Quarterly (including a social studies curriculum area), Curriculum Update, and Journal of Curriculum and Supervision. The site also contains information on professional development events and
trainings, an educational research service, and short lessons on education topics.
Association of American Educators - A national advocate for educators who believe that the first duty is
to the child and to development of a young person's character as well as intellect; that educators have freedoms from joining labor unions and strikes; and that public schools and their administration and
curriculum are under control of and accountable only to parents, citizens, and taxpayers of the local communities they serve. AAE shares concern for America's children and the culture they will inherit and
promotes new standards of professionalism and educational enrichment to prepare students to become good citizens, workers, and people. The AAE Foundation is a forum for teachers and parents to become
aware of strengths and weaknesses of the American school system from educators' or an insider's view. The foundation offers professional development seminars for teachers, public symposia for public
exchange, grants and scholarships to worthy teachers, and a supplement to educational and charitable activities through the periodical, Education Matters.
The Bill of Rights Institute - Serves to educate high school students about the Bill of Rights through
classroom materials and programs that teach what the Bill of Rights protects, how it affects our daily lives, and how it shapes society. Teachers can enhance their students' understanding of their rights and
responsibilities as citizens as well as of the historical and intellectual origins of the U. S. Constitution. The site offers the Institute's flexible curriculum guide and video, The Bill of Rights and You,
pocket-sized cards of text and facts of the Bill of Rights, current and upcoming events, landmark cases,
and recent court rulings. Free, downloadable activities and lesson plans for secondary social studies, U.
S. hisory, and government teachers involve primary source activities, citizenship and character lessons, and historical narratives. Essay topics range from citizenship, criminal procedure, and expression to
federalism, Founder of the month, guns, property, and religion. The Institute offers workshops for credit and summer seminars.
Center for American History (CAH) - A research unit of the University of Texas at Austin, facilitates and
supports teaching, research, and public education in U.S. history. CAH acquires, preserves, and makes available for research archival, artifact, and rare book collections and sponsors exhibitions, conferences,
video documentaries, oral history projects, grant-funded research, and publications. The center reflects the university's extensive holdings documenting the historical development of the United States and
includes the Institute for Studies in American Military History, the Sam Rayburn Library & Museum, John Nance Garner Museum, and Windale. The Research and Collections Division emphasizes the history of
Texas, the South and Southwest, the Rocky Mountain West, congressional history, and specific national topics like media history and the history of the professional touring entertainment industry.
Center for Civic Education - A non-profit, non-partisan corporation dedicated to fostering the development
of informed, responsible participation in civic life by citizens committed to values and principles fundamental to American constitutional democracy. CCE focuses on and promotes civic and law-related
education and international exchange in order to help the next generation preserve and improve democracy. The Center offers curriculum materials, teacher training, and community-based programs.
The site includes information about We the People… Project Citizen for K-12 students, standards for
civic education, syllabi, downloadable sample lessons and frameworks, articles and papers, teacher internet resources, and professional development institutes. Project Citizen promotes competent and
responsible participation in state and local government among middle school students by engaging students in public policy issues, formulation, and implementation.
Center for Social Studies and International Education (CSSIE) - Aims to improve education in the social studies (history, geography, economics, civics, anthropology, and the social sciences) in elementary
and secondary schools. A secondary mission of the CSSIE is to meet professional development needs of the international community of educators through in-service training, content seminars, and curriculum
workshops in all curriculum areas. The site provides information, organizations, content, and resources including links to social studies organizations, social studies standards by state, and publications and
projects.
The Constitution Society - A private non-profit organization dedicated to research and public education
on the principles of constitutional republican government. It publishes documentation, engages in litigation, and organizes local citizens groups to work for reform. This site provides a library of classic
constitutional resources including court decisions, essays, commentaries,and related documents. Categories range from founding documents, basic principles, rights, abuses, and due process to citizen
action, political & legal reform, constitutional defense, unity & federalism, and public education. The site
aims to provide information on what is and is not constitutional in situations, what applicable constitutions require in action, and constitutional decision support.
The Core Knowledge Foundation - An independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to
academic excellence, greater fairness, and higher literacy in early education. It conducts research on curricula; develops books and other educational materials for parents, teachers, and children; provides
professional development for teachers; and serves as the hub of a growing network of Core Knowledge Schools. The foundation makes available solid, coherently sequenced elementary and middle school
core curricula to help Pre-K and K-8 students establish strong foundations of knowledge, grade by grade. The site offers core curriculum resources, lesson plans, teaching guides, state alignments, relevant
articles and research, a bookstore, a day-to-day planner, and parent resources. Included is information about the core knowledge curriculum, core knowledge schools, events and training, workshops and
conferences, and testing.
Federal Resources for Educational Excellence (FREE) - A U. S. Department of Education meta-site that acts as a gateway to U. S. government sites related to art, language, health, math, science, social
studies, and vocational sites, with a directory of government agencies supplying information on education issues. The website includes more than 40 federal agencies to make hundreds of teaching and learning
resources from across the federal government available and searchable. A link to social studies provides an index of related social studies/social science topics ranging from anthropology to world history. The
index of resources encompasses articles, exhibits, collections, books, worksheets, research, museums, and teaching guides.
The Flag House & Star-Spangled Banner Museum - Founded in 1927 and one of Baltimore's oldest museums, the Flag House and museum have been open to the public for 76 years. Formed in 1927, the
museum is dedicated to the story of Mary Young Pickersgill who made the enormous 30 x 42-foot Star-Spangled Banner that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott
Key to write the poem that became the National Anthem. Mary Pickersgill's flag still survives and now hangs at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. The Flag House &
Star-Spangled Banner Museum sponsors K-12 freedom and educational school tours and an active public events calendar, including colonial era open hearth cooking demonstrations, quilt conservation
workshops, scholarly symposia, and family fun days.
Foundation for Teaching Economics - A non-profit organization offering teaching instruction in economic
education to teachers and young people selected for their leadership potential. The site contains information about high school social studies teacher programs in economics, leadership, American
history-economics integration, and economic analysis with environmental issues as well as opportunities for professional development through on-line courses and seminars. Teachers can find state and
national economic content standards, program evaluations, resources, curriculum designs, simulations, overheads, and lesson plans including program and prize-winning lessons in economics, finance, public
policy, government, and industry. Teachers and students can find out about the Teenage Consumer Price Index (TCPI) project in which teens create a market basket of goods and services. Students can
access a bulletin board to write comments and interact with other students.
Gateway to Education Materials (GEM) - A consortium to provide educators with quick and easy, one-stop access to thousands of education resources found on various federal, state, university,
non-profit, and commercial Internet sites. Teachers, parents, and administrators can search and browse by subject, keyword, title, or grade level to find thousands of high quality lesson plans, curriculum units,
activities, projects, and other education resources from GEM Consortium members.
Geographic Education National Implementation Project (GENIP) - A consortium of geographic associations committed to bettering the status and quality of K-12 geographic education in American
educational institutions. The GENIP consists of the National Geographic Society, the National Council for Geographic Education, the Association of American Geographers, and the American Geographical
Society. The site provides links to each of these organizations. GENIP serves as a communication clearinghouse for current and cutting-edge geographic projects and provides information about the
Geography national standards published in Geography for Life, geography education issues, related publications and resources, archived projects, conferences and meetings, and a grant program to
encourage projects which support its mission.
Home Educators Resource Directory - An online directory dedicated to sharing valuable resources with the home education/homeschool community. HERD meets the growing homeschool demand by
providing web links and listings to global, national, and state organizations and resources. Resources include worldwide and national directories, curricula, lesson plans, classes, services, suppliers, support
groups, publications, and community opportunities. The HERD directory is available in a printable CD format and is updated regularly, providing timely information to subscribers via email.
Ivy Leaguers For Freedom - An academic organization proposing to ignite a trend in education for
improved academic standards, acceptance of free speech and debate, encouragement of participation in speaker events/debates, development of critical thinkers, and the producing of more competitive
graduates for America where common ground is emphasized with superior competitive standards.
James Madison Center for Free Speech - Founded to protect the Constitution's First Amendment right of
all citizens and citizen groups to free political expression in America's democractic republic. Its purpose
is to support litigation and public education activities related to free speech. The site lists officers, directors, and the general counsel and includes press releases, news articles, and other publications
relating to the importance of the First Amendment. Other information includes campaign finance reform, litigation, and testimony with highlighted cases. Among other notable articles, the General Counsel has
published guidelines for political activities by church leaders and groups and dos and don'ts for church leaders involved in political activities.
K-12 Teaching & Learning Center - A member-supported resource for K-12 educators, students and
families. Members of the K-12 TLC may be K-12 teachers and administrators, a teacher and their class, an entire school, a homeschool teacher, or another adult with an interest in K-12 education. The site
presents featured hot topics and current events with case studies, a free Teacher's Daily Planner, subscriptions to The Teacher's Daily Almanac, and teacher guides in geography, history, social studies,
language arts, and interdisciplinary studies. The TLC also offers student, teacher, and parent members special on-line centers for their needs, library and media resources, internet tools, and professional
development activities.
National Alliance for Civic Education (NACE) - Consists of over 200 group and individual members committed to advancing civic knowledge and engagement. NACE believes "the time as come to bond
together to ensure that the next generation of citizens understands and values democracy and participates in the ongoing work of building democracy in America." The site includes civic requirement
guidelines addressing state mandates, NAEP civics framework and assessment, teacher preparation, service learning definitions and requirements, and steps to take. The site also has advocacy statements
on civic education, a member directory, state policy and project information, and resources on political engagements, civic knowledge and renewal, higher education, teacher resources, curriculum and
pedagogy, service learning, and civic education.
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) - An independent federal agency that oversees the management of all federal records and houses and preserves the United States federal government's
important legal, historical, and founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, U. S. Constitution, Gettysburg Address, the Federal Papers, etc., available in full-text transcripts and
high-resolution images. The Declaration page, for example, contains facts and history of the Declaration, the context in which it was written, the Virginia Declaration of Rights and other influences,
author Thomas Jefferson, and stylistic artistry. Thousands of holdings are available for research through
an electronic archival catalog, databases, and records. The site features historical documents, federal
records, presidential libraries, veterans and military service, and geneology and family history. Lessons referencing NARA files are also available.
National Center for History in the Schools - Publishes teaching units from collaboration between history professors and teachers. The units represent specific issues and episodes in history from which
teachers and students can explore deeper meanings, wider contexts of events, and choices and decisions. Unit lessons are based on primary sources. The NCHS provides national guidelines for
teaching history in grades K-12 and national standards for U. S. History for grades 5-12. The site contains reproduceable primary sources, curriculum guides, a catalog of downloadable teaching units in
world and U. S. history for all grades, lesson plans matched to history standards, and other history teaching resources and publications. Teachers can also find news articles and press releases.
National Constitution Center - A museum and forum of national conversation showing the role the
constitution has played throughout history and its importance today. Located in Philadelphia, the museum has interactive, multimedia, family-oriented exhibits that present important events in America's
history and bring the constitution to life. The site includes museum information for visitors and groups with a calendar of events, exhibits, and public programs. Educator resources are available such as
lesson plans about constitutional rights and service learning projects. Student resources include homework help with government and constitution information and games, puzzles, and trivia. The text of
the Constitution is also available. Opportunities for civic involvement are provided through voter resources, government websites, civic research results, and a page for submitting messages to
government officials on various issues.
National Council for History Education - A non-profit corporation dedicated to promoting the importance
of history in schools and in society. NCHE links history in the schools with many activities sponsored by state and local organizations, providing a communications network for all advocates of history
education, whether in schools, colleges, museums, historical councils, or community groups. This national coalition of educators works to ensure quality history education in classrooms throughout the
nation and across all grade levels. The site contains a file of relevant, important articles related to history education as well as competition and conference information, an on-line version of the council's
publication, History Matters!, and related links.
National Council for the Social Studies - The largest association in the U. S. devoted to social studies
education, aims to provide leadership, service, and support for all social studies educators. It encompasses social studies education at both the K-12 and college/university levels. The site includes
social studies curriculum standards, teacher resources and lesson plans, educational news and current events, professional development and workshop information, legislative updates, notable trade books,
and special projects of interest. Educators may submit and access lesson plans in the database, and members are available to share classroom insights on teaching about relevant topics and issues.
National Council of State Legislatures - Provides information on policy issues, state-federal relations,
NCSL standing committees, relevant current events, internships, publications, and meetings. Policy topics include education, state-federal relations, and legislatures. The site includes links to state
legislatures, internet sites and online services, staff and directories, an ethics center, books and periodicals, professional development, and a calendar.
National Flag Foundation - Established in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania in 1968, with roots dating back to the
1890s and the United States Flag Association, NFF is a non-profit patriotic educational organization promoting pride, respect, and participation among Americans nationwide for the flag of the United States
of America. Also known as the United States Flag Foundation, NFF aims to be a voice of flag education and to teach respect for the U. S. flag, pride in our country, and responsible citizenship. NFF has
created educational, informational, and supportive programs including Young Patriots, Flags Across America, American Pride Print Series, Old Glory Reference Service, and National Flag Foundation Membership.
National History Day - A year-long educational program for grades 6-12, with a website through the History Channel, culminating every June in the highly regarded and nation's oldest humanities contest for
students in middle and high schools. The mission of NHD is to improve the teaching and learning of history in schools so that students become prepared, knowledgeable citizens. NHD promotes
educational reform related to teaching and learning of history by engaging students in a process of discovery and interpretation through historical projects related to an annual theme. Individual or groups
of students from public, private, or home schools may participate. Projects are evaluated following certain principles of historical quality relating to benchmarks from the Teaching American History
Program. The site includes information about the program and contest, the NHD newsletter, volunteer opportunities, educational standards, lesson plans and curriculum ideas, awards, alumni, and more.
National Home Education Network (NHEN) - Encourages and facilitates vital grassroots work of state and local homeschooling organizations and individuals by providing information and networking on a
national level. The site provides a homeschool resource directory with listings by subject, conference and exhibit information, support group listings, and legislative forums and information.
National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) - An historical, educational, and patriotic non-profit 501(c)3 corporation that seeks to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, an
appreciation for true patriotism, a respect for our national symbols, the value of American citizenship, and the unifying force of e pluribus unum that has created, from the people of many nations, one nation
and one people. SAR aims to present American history, commemorate and provide memorials for people and events of the American Revolution, preserve records relating to events leading up to and
during the American Revolution, support research and presentations (books, articles, and talks) related to the history and people of the period 1750-1800, inspire the community with the principles on which our
nation was founded, maintain and extend institutions of American freedom, help carry out the promises expressed in the Preamble to the Constitution, provide recognition for public service, honor and support
veterans, sponsor essay and oration contests based on historical and patriotic themes for students, inform the community about the events and philosophical bases of the American Revolution and the
Constitution, and help people locate and evaluate genealogical records. The website provides goals, membership and contact information, patriotic resources (U. S. flag, color guard, re-enactments/stories,
awards), SAR Magazine, words and leaders of liberty, war tales and calendar, youth education activities, genealogy information, and current news.
Organization of American Historians - The largest learned society devoted to the study of American
history and promoting study and teaching through many activities. The site contains information about the integration of scholarly work and classroom teaching and offers a Research Scholarship Online
(RSO) database of citations from history-related publications for members. The site also provides information about the Teaching History Resource Center with links to and information about its resources
and activities, a "Talking History" Radio Show, OAH's quarterly, Journal of American History (available on-line), symposiums and conferences, calls for papers, awards and fellowships, member activities, and
related links.
Project VOTE Smart - A non-partisan, volunteer organization that provides citizens with tools to vote by
researching backgrounds and records of political candidates and elected officials to discover their voting records, campaign contributions, public statements, biographical data, work history, and evaluations by
special interest groups. Volunteers test candidates on their willingness to provide citizens with their positions on issues through the National Political Awareness Test (NPAT).
Reach Every Child - Developed by Horace Mann Educated Financial Solutions and nationally recognized
teacher Alan Haskvitz, an educational resource for students and teachers to make reaching students and using technology easier. Links to national and state organizations, museums, non-profits, etc. are
provided relating to all academic subject areas. Social studies links are grouped in areas including civics, government, current events, economics, public education, geography, and world leaders. History
links include American and world history. The site also has a few lesson plans, a cultural/international studies section, and information on grants, scholarships, awards, and teacher recognition.
Socialstudies.org - An online information service for educators from the National Council for the Social
Studies. The site offers information about conferences, grants and fellowships, legislative updates in the
federal government, notable social studies books, U. S. events and programs, a discussion board, and curriculum standards in social studies for learning as well as for teaching. Teacher resources are
grouped by themes relating to culture, time, people and places, environments, identity, individual and group development, institutions, power and authority, governance, production and consumption, science
and technology, and civic ideals and practices. The site provides articles, resources, and programs for teaching about the September 11 terrorist attacks, violence, peace, tolerance, international relations,
and related subjects. (See also National Council for the Social Studies.)
Supreme Court of the United States - Explains the Constitutional origin, nomination and appointment,
jurisdiction, rulemaking power, court building, and terms of the Supreme Court. The site includes Supreme Court files and docket files, biographies of court justices, members of the supreme court, the
court building, an argument calendar and transcripts, hearing lists, merit briefs, bar admissions forms, court rules, case handling guides, opinions, orders, and journals.
United States Department of Education - Produces hundreds of publications annually, administers
programs and initiatives, and underwrites educational research. Serving parents, families, teachers, students, and principals, the ED site highlights national educational initiatives and programs, current
events and articles, research and statistics, instructional materials for specific subject areas and grade levels, policies and legislation, and grant programs. Priorities of President Bush and Secretary of
Education Rod Paige are outlined such as the new reform plan, No Child Left Behind, and faith-based and community initiatives. The Educational Resources section offers specific lesson ideas, instructional
materials, and resources for history and social studies. Links are provided to the Nation's Report Card assessment statistics in U. S. history, civics, and English literacy and to free teaching and learning
resources from federal agencies and other organizations (see also Federal Resources for Educational Excellence (FREE) and The Gateway to Education Matierals (GEM)).
United States Department of Justice - Aims to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United
States according to the law; to ensure public safety against threats foreign and domestic; to provide federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime; to seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful
behavior; and to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans. The department protects civil rights and liberties, fosters safe communities, and funds faith-based and community
initiatives.
United States Department of State - Provides publication on The Great Seal providing the seal's origin and history, development and progressive drafts, makers and shapers, historical and current day use,
and meaning and symbolism. This department is the lead foreign affairs agency representing America. It aims to shape a freer, more secure, and prosperous world through U.S. foreign policy.
United States Department of the Treasury - Includes a page about the history of the National Motto "In God We Trust" as it appears on coins and currency, including information about the proposal of the
motto, congressional acts and laws for printing the motto on American currency, the appearance and reappearance of the motto on various coins and currency, the process of printing the motto, and
denomination production and delivery dates for currency bearing the motto. The site features a historical timeline of the Department of the Treasury, an overview of the duties and functions of the department,
and descriptions of the roles within the department. It contains a summary of the life and accomplishments of Alexander Hamilton, the first secretary of Treasury (1757).
United States Mint - Contains information on state coins, circulating coins, bullion, commemoratives and
dollar coins. The site offers a reading room and a catalog.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) - Specializes in keeping America strong, safe, and free by
remembering and honoring America's armed forces personnel, veterans, and their families. Begun in 1899, VFW's mission is to "honor the dead by helping the living" through veterans' service, community
service, national security, and strong national defense. With its Auxiliaries, VFW includes 2.3 million members in approximately 8,400 Posts worldwide. VFW was instrumental in establishing the Veterans
Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system, the fight for compensation for Vietnam and Gulf War vets, and the fight for improving medical services for
women vets. VFW helps fund important military service and veteran memorials. It provides $2.5 million in college scholarships to high school students each year. Annually, VFW members and its Auxiliary
contribute more than 13 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week.
We the People - Initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) that aims to strengthen
the teaching, study, and understanding of American history and culture. The initiative enhances the teaching and understanding of American history through grants, provides teacher professional
development and knowledge of American history through summer seminars and institutes, supports reading of classic literature through a bookshelf available to schools and libraries, preserves national
historic documents and expands access to them, explores the lives and deeds of heroic Americans, disseminates knowledge of American history through programs and partnerships, and encourages
students to reflect on American principles and events through the "Idea of America" essay contest.
The White House - A symbol of the Presidency, the U. S. government, and the American people. The
site contains a biography of the U. S. Presidents and histories as well as statements by and daily initiatives of Presidents regarding various issues, current events, and bills. The site also provides a
history of the White House's construction and development, tour information, and interesting characteristics and memories in the White House.
Organizations, Programs, & Projects
State of Texas
Houston Freedom Fest - An initiative and celebration to honor the troops and maximize awareness of the
urgent physical and spiritual needs of the local military community and to meet those needs through the compassion of the Greater Houston community. To be held November 11, 2007 in downtown Houston,
Freedom Fest will expose HISD students to the sacrifices made by the military to defend, preserve, and strengthen America. HISD and AHEF are working together in the celebration and parade to promote
constructive citizenship in Houston's broader community through showing appreciation and respect for military personnel and to help and assist military personnel with their physical and emotional
readjustment after returning to civilian life in the Houston area.
Houston Independent School District (HISD) Curriculum Department - Provides links to Project CLEAR Curriculum, PASS Information, TAKS, Professional Development, and a testing calendar. The CLEAR
Curriculum page provides a description of Project CLEAR developed by HISD, an online tutorial, model lessons, related documents, databases, and the Required Objectives and Correlations (ROC) / Syllabus
for Elementary and Secondary levels. Project CLEAR (Clarifying Learning to Enhance Achievement
Results) is an instructional planning tool for teachers created in response to the state of Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) adopted in 1998 on which HISD curriculum objectives are
based. Project CLEAR clarifies state curriculum requirements and objectives and enables Texas teachers to focus on how best to teach the knowledge and skills so that all students master the
objectives. It focuses on prerequisites, content specifics, instructional and assessment considerations, and connections to other objectives.
Lone Star Foundation - A Texas-based "think tank" devoted to providing resources and research needed
for the development of public policy based on traditional Texas values of family, freedom, free enterprise, and the Constitution. The foundation sponsors the Lone Star Report, a weekly newsletter providing
independent, non-partisan coverage and in-depth analysis of state affairs and government--the Texas legislature, special committees, elections, and state agencies. The Research Division offers analysis
required to formulate innovative state policy. Briefings and reports provide officials and leaders with information to solve challenges in education, economy and finance, health care, welfare, criminal justice,
and government adminstration.
Social Studies Center - Affiliated with the Texas Education Agency, provides resources, courses, and
details about professional development for teachers. The primary mission of the SSC web site is to assist educators in their efforts to align the key elements of curriculum, instruction, and assessment into
a coherent system that can be implemented to enhance student achievement as measured by classroom, district, and statewide assessments.
State Bar of Texas - An administrative agency of the state's judicial branch, provides teacher resources
through the State Bar Law-Related Education (LRE) Program. LRE hosts conferences and provides
training and curricula to public school teachers, covering topics like the U. S. Constitution, the judiciary, and the laws of Texas. Teacher lesson plans for students of all ages can be downloaded for classroom
use. Resource lists and information about upcoming teacher conferences are provided. Other legal information can also be found regarding news and events, contacting a lawyer, and the Texas Bar Journal.
Supreme Court of Texas - The final authority in all civil and juvenile delinquency cases in the state. The
site includes case information and mail, court orders, news and updates, task force initiatives, court rules and standards, advisories, and related court links.
TAKS Training - Offered by the Social Studies Center of the Texas Education Agency, contains six
modules designed to aid teachers preparing students for success in the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). The modules are designed for individual teachers but are also effective for
small groups of professionals working collaboratively in professional development.
TEKS for Social Studies - Provided by the Texas Education Agency, lists the Texas Essential
Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Social Studies outlined in the Texas Adminstrative Code (Title 19, Part 2, Chapter 113). The listing includes links to subchapters (issued under Texas Education Code 28.002)
for elementary, middle, and high school grades (K-12) and advanced course requirements and objectives. Printable PDF versions of all files are available.
Texas Education Agency - Investigates school news, laws, rules, data and curriculums developed by the
state's education. The site includes details about finance and grants.
Texas Education Network (TENET) - Operated and funded by the University of Texas at Austin, provides
current resources for the Texas education community. The site offers local, state, national, and professional resources and information for administrators, elementary and secondary teachers, parents,
and students. Resources include assessment information, legislative and policy issues, educational organizations, general and curriculum resources, library links, special populations information, grant and
funding options, professional development opportunities, college resources, community service opportunities, information on technology in the classroom, and Teen Scene.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) - Comprise the former state-mandated curriculum guidelines that establish what every student, from elementary school through high school, should know
and be able to do. TEKS were developed to comply with §28.002(c) and (d) of the Texas Education Code. Useful resources included in the TEKS section of this site include cross-linked biographies and
glossaries, course descriptions, learning activities, and links to web resources.
Texas Legislature Online - Provides information about special legislative sessions and session status
regarding special issues as well as access to legislation including legislative reports and text, Summary and Status of Bills, Bill Numbers/Texts/Searches, and Amendments for the Legislatures 74 (1995)
through 78 (2003). Research sections include Texas statutes, Texas Constitution, Administrative Code, legislative process, legislative glossary, capitol information, and dates of interest. A live broadcast
option of House and Senate Chambers is available.
Texas Online - The State of Texas homepage contains links to various state sectors including business
consumer services, education and training, employment, environment and natural resources, public records, community resources, travel and recreation, government, courts, criminal justice, and laws.
The government section links to information on the courts and judiciary system, governor and executive branch, laws, codes and statutes, voting and elections, state agencies and officials, taxes, and
legislature. The link to education and training includes information on state colleges and universities, libraries, financial assistance, military, and K-12. K-12 provides information on Education Service
Centers, Regions, and school districts, with resources for educators, parents, and students on school profiles, student performance, staff, finances, and programs, funding and grants, professional partners, and more.
Texas Online Courts and Judiciary System - Links to the Attorney General of Texas, the Court of
Appeals, the Court of Criminal Appeals, court structure, eFiling for Courts, the State Supreme Court, courthouses, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice State Counsel for Offenders, the Texas Judicial
Directory, and the Texas Judiciary Online home page.
Texas Regional Education Service Centers (ESCs) - Of the Texas Education Agency, oversee educational administration and provide school news and contacts within certain regions of the state.
This site provides links to various ESC websites as well as contact information, staff directories, and staff support information.
Texas State Historical Association - TSHA Online - TSHA Online is a digital gateway to Texas history
and allows you to experience the rich and complex history of the state through innovative online features and content. The site enables browsers to access the Handbook of Texas Online; order award-winning
TSHA books; explore the Southwestern Historical Quarterly and SHQ Online; and learn about the TSHA's many educational offerings, including the annual meeting and various programs for students and
teachers of Texas history; and more. TSHA Online is created and maintained by the Texas State Historical Association in partnership with the College of Liberal Arts and the General Libraries at the
University of Texas at Austin.
The Texians: An Online Database of the People that Lived in Texas - An on-line resource including heroes of the Texas Revolution and leaders of the republic.
Historical Content Resources
Info, Events, & Documents
Archiving Early America: Historic Documents From 18th Century America - Focuses on supplying digitally-displayed primary source material from 18th Century America—newspapers, maps, writings and
portraits as they originally appeared 200 years ago. The archive aims to achieve open access of historic documents to the public and thereby reawaken, encourage, and maintain the public's interest in
America's early historical, societal roots. Documents range from the U. S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Articles of Confederation to Thomas Paine's "Common Sense," George
Washington's Journal of Ohio Valley, and newspaper pages of the 1700's in which important American figures' writings and publishings appear.
Artcyclopedia - Contains information and links to museums, exhibits, artist sites, and images related to
artists and art movements of various time periods. The site includes information on paintings, architecture, and artists from the 17th-century to present, many of which (like John Trumbull, Emanuel
Gottlieb Leutze, Rembrandt Peale, Charles Willson Peale, and Alonzo Chappel, Gilbert Stuart, Charles Polk, and George Healy) painted American historical and national subjects.
Encyclopedia Americana - The FairFax, Virginia Online Library provides library card access to a number
of encyclopedias and references including the Encyclopedia Americana, the first of its kind published in North America (1829-), emphasizing American and Canadian history and geography and including
glossaries. Produced in the U. S. and targeting North American readers, the resource is updated regularly and presents a wide array of condensed information from specialists for the general reader. The
site also includes the "America the Beautiful" program.
From Revolution to Reconstruction: A Hypertext on American History from the Colonial Period Until
Modern Times - The product of a student writing project, this site provides an extensive and
comprehensive collection of primary texts and essays influential in American history, from the Magna Carta before 1400 to the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream"
speech in 1963. Essays by various authors with different views about subjects regarding American history and culture are also included. The site contains a biography index for persons influential in
American history and culture including a section with information on the U. S. Presidents and their speeches, writings, and biographies.
The History Channel - Website offers an audio-visual archive of videos, speeches, documentaries, and
features on subjects related to U. S. history including historical events, elections, domestic and foreign relations, presidents and important figures, inventions, innovations, society, culture, mysteries, etc.
Hyper History Online - Contains over 2,000 files covering 3,000 years of world history from B. C. to
present day. Sections include information on various time periods of major civilizations, important persons, and important events in science, culture, religion, and politics. The site includes regional
maps, a map of World War I, and maps for the seven periods of world history and civilization. As a companion to the website, Hyper History offers a "hard copy" world history wall chart and book to give
students an understanding of historical forces that shape today's global affairs through a visual, chronological, and synchronistic presentation. The synchronoptic chart features facts, timelines,
lifelines, events, and historical color maps depicting the nations and world history.
Liberty! The American Revolution - A series of six one-hour documentaries originally broadcast on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in November 1997, is accompanied and explored by this official
on-line companion. The series covers the two-and-a-half decade story of the American Revolution beginning with the French and Indian War and ending with the creation of the Constitution. The site
includes a chronicle of the Revolution with headlines, timelines, and resource materials. It also includes historical information presented via visual aids, a photo-essay, and a revolutionary game.
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) - An independent federal agency that oversees the management of all federal records and houses and preserves the United States federal government's
important legal, historical, and founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, U. S. Constitution, Gettysburg Address, the Federal Papers, etc., available in full-text transcripts and
high-resolution images. The Declaration page, for example, contains facts and history of the Declaration, the context in which it was written, the Virginia Declaration of Rights and other influences,
author Thomas Jefferson, and stylistic artistry. Thousands of holdings are available for research through
an electronic archival catalog, databases, and records. The site features historical documents, federal
records, presidential libraries, veterans and military service, and geneology and family history. Lessons referencing NARA files are also available.
National Atlas of the United States and North America - A federal resource for information on people, places, and resources of the United States and North America. The site provides information and tools
for printable, wall, and dynamic maps with layers of visual information. Users can customize maps to print or view, investigate layers to mix and match when map-making, print pre-formatted maps on a
variety of topics, play with interactive maps, download data from mapping professionals, and read articles on related topics. The site includes specifics on agriculture, biology, boundaries, climate, environment,
geology, government, history, people, transportation, and water.
Our Documents - Includes a complete list of of the 100 milestone documents, from the founding of the
country through 1965--from the Lee Resolution of 1776 to the Voting Rights Act of 1965--compiled by the National Archives and Records Administration and drawn from nationwide holdings. The documents
consist of public laws, supreme court decisions, inaugural speeches, treaties, constitutional amendments, etc. that have influenced the course of U. S. history, helped shape the country and our
national character, and reflect our diversity, unity, and commitment in working toward "a more perfect union." Includes the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Gettysburg
Address, and more. Also found are tools for teachers such as an Our Documents book and information on National History Day student and teacher competitions. Our Documents aims to present and teach
about the rights and responsibilities of citizens in our democracy and our commitment as a nation to strive "to form a more perfect union."
Smithsonian American Art Museum - Allows browsers to search collections of American artwork, ask art
information specialists questions, and find online art information resources. The Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture includes over 360,000 works from private and public collections nationwide. The
Peter A. Juley & Son Collection consists of 127,000 photo negatives documenting the works of 11,000
American artists between 1896-1975. The collection also includes 2,500 portrait images of artists. The
Pre-1877 Art Exhibition Catalogue Index describes over 136,000 works of art and includes American and European artists of all art media. The Smithsonian Institution Libraries Catalog can also be accessed
from this site.
Smithsonian Institution - Composed of sixteen museums, galleries, and associations including
museums of American History, Natural History, American Art, Air and Space, and the National Zoo as well as a Portrait Gallery. The institution also includes numerous research facilities in the United States
and abroad. The website provides links to the museum holdings and information on exhibitions, publications, and research.
Star-Spangled Banner Flaghouse and War of 1812 Museum - Home of America's flag and dedicated to the story of Mary Young Pickersgill who made the original American flag that flew over Fort McHenry and
inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," which would later become the words for the National Anthem. The Flaghouse is one of the oldest museums in Maryland and offers
to teachers and families school and group tours; public programs, symposiums, and celebrations; hearth cooking demonstrations; and related field trip information. The websit |
