The Department of Education, Office of Innovation and Improvement awarded the School District of Manatee County two Teaching American History awards; Freedom and Democracy (2008) and Liberty Fellows (2009).    This is the final year of the award and will conclude grant activities.  The award is federal.  There are no matching local or state dollars required.

The School District of Manatee County’s Freedom and Democracy and Liberty Fellowship Projects seek to improve student achievement in American History by strengthening the knowledge base of teachers delivering American History instruction.  The project will provide high quality professional development led by nationally renowned historians to the project participants.

1.   Presently serving 50 teachers predominantly in grades 5,8,11

2.   $2.7 million received to date.  No matching funds or requirements

3.   7,104 hours professional development (Freedom and Democracy)

4.   6,042 hours professional development (Liberty Fellows)

5.   Digital and Physical History Resource Centers created and expanded annually

6.   Created grade level content experts in US History to increase capacity

Both grants, Freedom and Democracy and Liberty Fellows, will end permanently on 6/30/2013. 

The Superintendent recommends approval to renew and expend the U.S. Department of Education Teaching American History Grant for the 2012-2013 school year. 

Motion and approval to renew and expend the U.S. Department of Education Teaching American History Grant for the 2012-2013 school year.

There is no fiscal impact to the School District of Manatee County.

Professional Learning

Chuck Fradley/Christy Holt/bc

12/10/12