Jun 30 2004

Graham/Wilson Announce Nearly $1 Million to improve Teaching in American History at Richland County Schools

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and U.S. Representative Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina) today announced Richland County School District 2 will receive a $999,558 grant to improve teaching programs in American history. “This is an innovative program that will allow American history teachers to continue their education and hone teaching skills,” said Graham, a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. “Professional development for South Carolina’s teachers provides a better education for our students.” "I am proud to join Senator Graham in announcing these funds that will greatly enhance the educational opportunities of the children in South Carolina's Midlands," said Congressman Wilson. "President Bush has consistently worked to improve education throughout the nation, and this initiative will help ensure that no child is left behind." The funds will be used to improve the quality of history instruction by supporting professional development for teachers of American history. The three-year project provides content-driven professional development for American History teachers in grades four, five, eight, and eleven through summer institutes and post-institute support in three regions of South Carolina. Participants receive 30 hours of content instruction, 15 hours of cultural institution collaboration, and 15 hours of method instruction. The project is aimed at helping teachers to develop innovative teaching techniques through use of local primary sources, and to connect national history to local and regional events, people and places. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Education. ####