Teaching American History Program studies the American Revolution

February 21, 2005

Miami Hamilton’s own history professors Bob Meckley and George Vascik take an in-depth look at the American Revolution during the next Teaching American History Seminar Thursday, February 24, for 31 Hamilton City Schools history teachers.

The teachers are participants in a three-year grant project, which aims to improve student achievement through professional development for teachers. In its second year, the project, funded through a $731,631 grant from the U.S. Department of Education and awarded to Miami Hamilton, Hamilton City Schools and the Michael J. Colligan History Project, includes all-day seminars and summer institutions to expand teacher knowledge in history. Teachers receive graduate credit for their involvement.

Meckley, an assistant professor of history, plans to focus on certain aspects within the era that surrounds the American Revolution during a one-hour session beginning at 9:00 a.m.; and beginning at 11:00 a.m., Vascik, an associate professor of history, brings his expertise on war strategies used during the American Revolution to seminar participants. Both lectures will be held in the Harry T. Wilks Conference Center and are free and open to the public.

The seminar will also feature the premier of six video segments comprising the first interactive DVD designed to accompany the grant's instructional program. Some these segments were filmed in Jamestown and Williamsburg, VA by video specialist Craig Rouse and all feature original narration by Michael L. Carrafiello, associate professor of history at Miami Hamilton.

In addition, Miami Hamilton welcomes Dr. Mark Forget, an expert on pedagogy and teaching methods who will present during the afternoon session.

The Teaching American History Grant program is a discretionary grant program funded by The No Child Left Behind Act. Miami Hamilton is pleased to partner with the Hamilton City School District and the Lane Libraries in the grant. The goal of the program is to support programs that raise student achievement by improving teachers' knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of American history. For more information, log on to the Teaching American History Web site at www.americasjourney.org/