Constitution Day

Wednesday, September 17, 2009 is Constitution Day!

This is just a reminder that Thursday, September 17, 2009 is Constitution Day.

Why does my site need to be aware of Constitution Day?
Federal legislation (Public Law 108-447) was signed 2004 making September 17th Constitution Day.  For more information on this legislation, go to http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/other/2005-2/052405b.html

How does this pertain to my site and classroom?
Public Law 108-447, Section 111(b) states "each educational institution that receives federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution." While there is no funding attached to this requirement, statute requires that Constitution Day be held on September 17 of each year, commemorating the September 17, 1787, signing of the Constitution. However, when September 17 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, Constitution Day shall be held during the preceding or following week.

Senator Robert Byrd (D), West Virginia, authored the legislation and has said in a recent interview that the U.S. department of Education and Congress have not required a specific curriculum or a particular interpretation of the Constitution.  “I hope that schools will develop many different, creative ways to enable students to learn about one of our country’s most important historic documents,” [Byrd] said. “The Constitution protects their freedoms and will impact all facets of their lives.” (http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7960256/)
 
Where do I go for resources?
There is an overwhelming number of historical and civic minded organizations that are dedicated to Constitutional education.  These organizations have developed resources to help educational institutions comply with the Constitution Day legislation.  After reviewing some of the content on these sites, our office feels that the sites with the most readily available resources and lesson plan ideas are the following:

*New to the list – 21st Century Civics
http://www.ourcourts.org/

The Constitutional Rights Foundation
http://www.crf-usa.org/constitution_day/constitution_day_home.htm

Annenberg Classroom Resources
http://www.justicelearning.org

The Constitution Center
http://www.constitutioncenter.org

We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution and Foundations of Democracy http://www.constitutionday.civiced.org

The Bill of Rights Institute
http://www.billofrightsinstitute.org

The Library of Congress
http://www.loc.gov

Thank you in advance for your efforts to commemorate the September 17, 1787 signing of the Constitution.

For more information, or questions related to Constitution Day, please contact interim History Program Specialist, Ray Pietersen (rpieters@egusd.net), or Teaching American History Grant Coordinator, Don Azevada (dazevada@egusd.net) in Curriculum and Professional Learning, 686-7757.