RPS #205 AWARDED 2ND TEACHING AMERICAN HISTORY GRANT
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FREEDOM PROJECT GETS UNDERWAY IN FALL OF 2008
Freedom Project Information
In the fall of 2008, the new TAH Grant for RPS #205, Freedom Project, will begin providing professional development for participating teachers. In order to be eligible to take part in the grant's offerings, a teacher must be employed by District #205 and be involved with the teaching of US history. Teachers in grades 5, 7, 8, and high school US history teachers who are new to the district or new to the grade level/subject matter will be given first preference, but others will be accepted as well. Unlike the previous grant, Freedom Project will focus on 15 major eras of US history, with special consideration to five main threads: women, Hispanics, and African Americans; the Rockford Connection; Important Historical Events and Key Figures; Places in the News; and Economic Impact. There will be four symposiums each year to provide content on the chosen eras with speakers from neighboring universities and the OAH (Organization of American Historians). In addition, there will be a number of Focus Sessions on key topics, such as Genocide and Human Rights, and a number of Technology Sessions will be offered to provide instruction in the use of online history resources including Weblessons. Teachers will be asked to submit several lesson plans each semester, based on the themes being studied, and will meet with the Historian-in-Residence, Dr. JD Bowers, at least once each semester. In addition, master teachers will work with teachers new to the grade level and/or new to the district to serve as history mentors. Special incentives have been built into this grant for teachers who qualify (by attending required sessions and producing well-written lesson plans) that include special field study trips and materials for a classroom history library. Interested teachers should apply before August 30th. Download a copy of the application for Freedom Project by clicking on the link below. |
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SIGN ON NOW FOR THE 2009-2010 FREEDOM PROJECT!
Application
With the first of the grant's five years coming to an end soon, RPS #205's "Freedom Project" is gearing up for its second year of providing professional development to teachers in the district who teach US history. Beginning in late May, teachers will have the opportunity to sign on for the grant's second year in one of two ways--as a "Freedom Project Scholar" or as a "Freedom Project Participant." FP Scholars are those who complete the application process for the Freedom Project and commit themselves to the grant's requirements for a one-year term. Through this commitment, the FP Scholars attend major symposiums and workshops, create six (6) well-written lesson plans based on the themes of the major symposiums for which they will receive a stipend of $1000. FP Scholars are automatically registered for all events sponsored by the TAH Grant and will receive a complimentary copy of each book selected for each major symposium. FP Scholars work with the grant's Historian-in-Residence at least once each semester to design and create lesson plans; they also have the opportunity, based on their commitment, to be eligible for end of the year Field Study Travel for a week at that year's designated location with all expenses paid: Year Two's location is Boston!!
FP Participants may take part in any and all of the TAH Grant's functions but they must register ahead of time for each event. If among the first 40 to register, FP Participants will receive complimentary copies of the selected books for each symposium and meals will be provided. FP Participants are not asked to create lesson plans but they may request a session with the Historian-in-Residence should time slots be available. FP Participants are NOT eligible for the end of the year Field Study Travel.
Toward the end of May, teams of teachers who have participated in this year's grant activities will be visiting schools to answer questions and provide additional information on the grant. Applications may be completed at any time but must be in by the August 30th deadline. |
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