DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P.O.
SUPTS. MEMO NO. 192
August 22, 2008
INFORMATIONAL
|
TO: |
Division
Superintendents |
|
FROM: |
Billy K.
Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent
of Public Instruction |
|
SUBJECT: |
Announcement
of the Civics |
I am
pleased to announce that the Commission on Civics Education is hosting a
one-day Civics Summit for division personnel and teachers who work with
students in Civics and Economics and
The
objectives of the
provide new content information related to civics education by
recognized experts;
explain what materials are available to support the History and Social Science Standards of
Learning; and
encourage responsible citizenship through participation in civic-related
activities.
The date
and location for the
Friday, September 19,
2008
8:30 a.m. 3:30
p.m.
Senate Room 3
The Civics
Summit will accommodate 120 participants.
School divisions are invited to send teachers and/or division personnel. The Civics Summit will provide parking in
specified lots, lunch, and materials for participants. Registration will be conducted on a
first-come, first-serve basis and can be completed online at http://www.cpe.vt.edu/reg/civsum/.
In conjunction with the
Civics Summit, the Commission on Civics is pleased to provide teachers and
school divisions with a live Web stream of the Civics Summit at the Everyday Civics website available at http://civics.pwnet.org.
I am also pleased to bring
to your attention the recognition of Constitution Day to be celebrated
officially this year on September 17, 2008.
As you know, Congress passed legislation that requires the
implementation of an educational program pertaining to the United States
Constitution, on a date designated by statute officially as Constitution Day
and Citizenship Day. This 2004
Congressional initiative is authorized by Section 111 of Division J of Public
Law 108-447 and applies to educational institutions receiving federal funding
from the United States Department of Education (USED).
All schools may determine
what kind of educational programs are appropriate for their students. Some informational resources pertaining to
the Constitution that may be useful in planning educational activities are
listed on the USED's website at http://www.ed.gov. Go to the search box and enter Constitution
Day. Information about citizenship and
civics is also available at other nonpartisan websites including http://www.billofrightsinstitute.org/redesign.asp.
If you need additional
information about the Civics Education Summit or Constitution Day, please
contact Beverly Thurston, coordinator, history, social sciences, and
international education, Office of Middle and High School Instruction, by
e-mail at Beverly.Thurston@doe.virginia.gov
or by telephone at (804) 225-2893.
BKCJr/BT/yba