Promoting American History

What does it mean to be an American? While each of us may have our own specific answer to that question, we likely can agree on the basic principles of America: freedom, equal opportunity, and rights accompanied by responsibilities.

These shared values that make up the fabric of America are learned from our parents and grandparents, and of course through education. Education reaches all young people and gives them the basic skills they will need to be active, involved American citizens.

The United States Senate recently passed the American History and Civics Education Act to inspire teachers and students to seek a deeper understanding of the key events, persons, and ideas that shape the institutions and democratic heritage of the United States.

The bill would create 12 summer Congressional Academies for outstanding students to broaden their knowledge of the civic values that have shaped American history for more than 200 years. Junior and senior high school students nominated by their principal would be eligible to apply to the program that would run for four weeks in the summer. As many as 3600 students would be eligible to participate each year.

Presidential Academies for Teachers of History and Civics would also be established to strengthen teaching skills and broaden knowledge in related subjects. In addition to the two-week workshops over the summer, teachers would also benefit from a national alliance to be created on the Internet. This service will give teachers everywhere easy access to best practices and success stories of fellow teachers, allowing them to reach out to students more effectively and connect with them in a way that provides a more thorough understanding of American history.

This legislation will provide an investment of $100 million dollars in the teaching of American history and civics over the next four years. It is not a federal mandate to the states about what to teach, but rather an exceptional opportunity for teachers and students to learn more about America.

I hope that the House of Representatives will act quickly to pass this bi-partisan legislation so Nebraska students and teachers will soon be able to access these new education opportunities.

At a time when American soldiers around the world risk their lives to protect America from the many threats we face, it is more important than ever that our young people understand the history and values that have guided America through its difficult times in the past and ensured this nation's continuing prosperity.