Second Teaching American History grant awarded locally

September 29, 2005

Miami University Hamilton, The Fairfield City Schools and the Northwest Local School District have been awarded a three-year, $995,093 U.S. Department of Education Teaching American History Grant. Also included in the grant are The Lane Public Libraries and the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County.

This is the second U.S. Department of Education Teaching American History Grant awarded to Miami University Hamilton. The campus, through its Michael J. Colligan History Project, the Hamilton City School District and the Lane Public Libraries were awarded a $731,631 grant in September 2003.

The first grant launched the project “America’s Journey: The Quest for Freedom, 1492-1836,” with the goals of raising student achievement in American History and providing resources for teachers in their development of more effective history lesson plans.

The second grant expands the project into two new local school districts. As with the 2003 grant, this 2005 grant will provide three years of seminars and five-day institutes each summer for 50 history teachers in the Fairfield and Northwest school districts. During these seminars, teachers will explore history content and teaching methods. The project also will create resources that can then be shared with other districts.

In addition, Lane Public Libraries and the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County will provide venues for Teaching American History exhibits, homes for collections related to the project, and expertise during the seminars.

The purpose of the grant is to raise student achievement by improving teachers’ knowledge, understanding and appreciation of traditional American history. By helping teachers to develop a deeper understanding of such history within a core curriculum, instruction improves and student achievement rises.

According to Michael Carrafiello, associate professor of history and director of The Michael J. Colligan History Project, “We are delighted to partner with Fairfield and Northwest public schools, as well the Lane and Cincinnati Public Libraries on a program that will enrich the teaching of American history for teachers and for hundreds of local children.”

Executive Director of Miami Hamilton, Daniel E. Hall, applauds the partnership. “All the partners will benefit from this award – the schools, libraries, and Miami Hamilton. Most of all, students in the Northwest and Fairfield schools will benefit from enriched American history instruction.”

Dr. Robert B. Farrell, superintendent of the Fairfield City Schools, agreed. “The Fairfield City Schools are excited about the opportunity to work with these organizations on this project. It’s important to learn more about the rich heritage of our democratic society, and that deeper knowledge and appreciation will mean better classroom instruction and improved student achievement.”

Margie Rennie, superintendent of the Northwest Local School District, also agreed. “The Teaching American History grant will provide Northwest Local School District staff with additional opportunities for professional growth. Our students will benefit from the enriched instruction in the classrooms. We are very pleased to be able to participate in this partnership with Miami University Hamilton and Fairfield City School District."