And The Winner Is . . .

CICERO Kids Free Trial contest winners announced today on Facebook

          The results are in, and we have one grand prize winner and three runners-up for the CICERO Kids Free Trial contest. The two-month contest was to promote AIHE’s newest product, CICERO Kids. To enter, fans simply signed up for a free trial during March or April and were automatically entered. The winners were drawn randomly from a pool of over 400, coming from Alabama, Mississippi, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The grand prize winner has won a Sony Tablet and lifetime subscription to CICERO Kids, while the runners-up all will receive a free one-year subscription.

To find out if you won, head to our Facebook at www.facebook.com/myaihe. There, you can find the winners along with our daily “Today in History” – don’t forget to “Like” us when you get there!

During the months of May and June, AIHE is sponsoring a CICERO: History Beyond the Textbook free trial contest. Details soon to come – check our Facebook shortly!

ISTE Conference 2012: Free Admission Tickets Available

June 24^th – June 27^th at the San Diego Convention Center

AIHE will be exhibiting at the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference in San Diego at the end of June and wants YOU to join us! This education technology conference is designed to present the latest in products and services for the classroom environment. At ISTE, AIHE is thrilled to announce the launch of multiple new products and updates, including our recently-updated CICERO Kids. Updates to this online resource include Text-to-Speech features for struggling readers and correlation to all state and national standards.

The 2012 ISTE conference theme, “Expanding Horizons,” coincides nicely with AIHE’s goal to take education beyond the textbook. Attendees will be entered into a contest to win many free prizes, including a Sony Tablet, an interactive whiteboard for the classroom and multiple CICERO and CICERO Kids giveaways.

The ISTE conference team has kindly provided AIHE with a limited number of free passes for admission to the conference. If you or a person in your school/district associated with technology in the classroom is interested in attending, contact us at solutions@aihe.info or (856) 241-1990. See you in San Diego!!

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Modesto, CA / Swedesboro, NJ

Contacts: Media - Paul Sommers (856) 803-1689 / psommers@aihe.info

Sales - Mike Silvia (856) 803-1678 / msilvia@aihe.info

California Adopts CICERO in the CLRN Network

CICERO Approved in the state’s most respected education resource network

May 8, 2012 – AIHE’s CICERO: History Beyond the Textbook® has been accepted into the CLRN network in California, the state’s most respected education resource network. After a comprehensive review process, CICERO was given wonderful reviews, including comments about the resource’s effectiveness and impact on education.

Sandra Burdick, CLRN Review Coordinator, specifically found CICERO to be a worthwhile resource, saying that it is such a “comprehensive program” that it took reviewers weeks to go through to check all of the standards.

The CLRN network is a “one-stop” resource for critical information needed for the selection of supplemental electronic learning resources aligned to the California State Board of Education content standards.

If you would like more information on CICERO or the CLRN network, contact Paul Sommers or Mike Silvia using the contact information above or visit our website at www.americaninstituteforhistory.org/products).

The Era of Good Feelings(?)

John M. Sacher

University of Central Florida

Talking History Registration

History textbooks have a tendency to skip from the American victory at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 to Andrew Jackson’s election in 1828 with only a brief pause at the Missouri Crisis of 1820.  This decade has been termed the Era of Good Feelings—an era where almost nothing of significance happened.   This simplistic view, however, ignores many of the key changes which gave the era its label as well as the events that demonstrated perhaps things were not so good after all.

In my “Era of Good Feelings(?)” Talking History presentation, I will start with the precarious state of the nation in the winter of 1814-15—the final months of the War of 1812.  Imagine yourself in Washington City during that time.  You would be surrounded by burned buildings giving you a visible reminder of the British occupation of the city a few months earlier.  In addition, you would hear rumors of secession from New England, negotiations to end the war in Belgium, and a British force poised at the mouth of the Mississippi.  Within the next two months, word would arrive of a peace treaty restoring the status quo antebellum and of Andrew Jackson’s triumph in New Orleans.  

With the end of the war, the nation’s mood quickly changed as the republican experiment appeared to be a success.  It was indeed an Era of Good Feelings.  In terms of foreign relationships, the United States had stood toe-to-toe with the British twice and emerged without disaster.  Soon, the nation would acquire Florida and a legitimate claim to the west coast, and this would be followed by the Monroe Doctrine.  Domestically, the Federalist Party would disappear, leaving the electorate united by James Monroe’s Republicans.  Ironically, the dominant Republican Party would enact several Federalist measures including a protective tariff and a national bank.

It was indeed an era to celebrate the United States.  Yet, problems did not disappear and unanimity was a fiction.  First, while Americans could agree on expansion, they could not agree on slavery’s role therein.  This problem would come to a head in the Missouri crisis.  Second, the young economy experienced growing pains, most notoriously in the Panic of 1819, which reopened debate both over the need for and the role of a national bank and over the government’s role in the economy.  Third, if the nation could not agree on slavery and banks, how could there only be a single political party?  One party politics—the dream of the founders—proved a disaster in practice. 

Thus, the Era of Good Feelings might not have been as “good” as people hoped.  Nevertheless, in scraping below its surface, one discovers that it is much more interesting than textbooks portray it.

***************

John M. Sacher is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of History at the University of Central Florida.  During the past six years, he has delivered more than fifty lectures to Teaching American History grants.

Talking History Registration

The Kony Video and the Power of Social Media

The Kony 2012 video should be a topic in every social studies classroom across the country

As I post this, the Kony 2012 video is closing in on 85 million views on YouTube alone, let alone the hundreds or even thousands of websites that have reposted it since its debut on March 5, 2012. Have you seen it yet?  If not, check it out. It is well done, professional and inspiring. When you are done watching, think about your next action. Will you join the cause?

Remember when we were kids and we'd find something in the newspaper that caught our attention and we'd mention it to our parents?  How many remember what our parents often said to us – "Don't believe everything you read in the paper." 

Every second, one hour of new video is uploaded to YouTube[1].  Think about that.  In a single 24-hour day, 3600 days of video, nearly 10 years worth of video, is uploaded to youtube.com. More video is uploaded to YouTube in one month than the 3 major U.S. television networks created in the last 60 years.  Clearly the power of online video is a compelling reason for this volume. But only a small fraction of YouTube videos are garnering any significant volume of traffic let alone going viral.  What can we learn from viral videos and the power of social media? What risks are there in this social media power?

The Kony 2012 video should be a topic in every social studies classroom across the country. Why? Because this video demonstrates the power of viral videos and social media in our society and the risks of that power. Social studies classrooms should embrace a discussion of the Kony 2012 video, but not solely for the message presented by the creators of this video. If you've been following the discussion on Kony 2012 and the Invisible Children organization, you may begin to develop a different picture from what the creators of the video wished to create.  Notwithstanding the recent events caught on video of the Kony 2012 director, in the time since the video launched, the accuracy of some of the information presented, the simplification of the complex issues at work in Uganda and other central African nations, and the finances of the Invisible Children organization have all come under strong criticism.

The speed with which this video propagated across the Internet and the number of people it has reached, especially young people, should warrant a discussion on it in all social studies classrooms across America.  What a wonderful teachable moment for a generation of children that so completely embrace the Internet and social media. As educators, it is our job to ensure our students learn to question the sources of such information, to read between the lines or see behind the cameras, to understand context and purpose, and realize that very few issues in life are truly one-sided.  Ask questions; look for opposing views, and look past the emotional strings at which such issues frequently tug.  Open the lines of communication in your classrooms. Use this discussion to help the next generation become more aware of the complex world in which we live.

And remember one thought in any of these discussions…don't believe everything you see on YouTube!

[1] http://www.youtube.com/t/press_statistics

About the Author

Bert Zahniser is Vice President of Technology for the American Institute of for History Education. His technology career dates back to the early 1980s and he has worked on the forefront of technology his entire career. He is currently working with his team implementing cloud computing for many of the products and services offered by AIHE.

CICERO Kids™ Contest to Win a SONY Tablet™ S

Free trial automatically enters you into a chance to win free prizes, including a SONY Tablet™ S and a lifetime subscription to CICERO Kids™

To celebrate the release of CICERO Kids™, we’re offering fans the chance to win a lifetime subscription plus a SONY Tablet™ S! This is a $649 value. The only way to win is to sign up for a free trial before April 30^th, with the winner announced on Friday, May 4^th. Official contest rules are below:

1.     Sign up for a free trial account for CICERO Kids™ in the month of March or April.

2.     You are automatically entered in a drawing for the Sony Tablet™ S and CICERO Kids subscription.

3.     No purchase is necessary. All entries must be created online by creating a free trial account for CICERO Kids.

4.     Click HERE to create your free account at www.cicerokids.com and be entered to win!

Learn more about CICERO Kids by watching this short video:

PRESS RELEASE

Blog: South Jersey University? AIHE Staff Members Weigh In on the Rutgers-Rowan Merger

Melissa Callahan is a graduate student in history at Rutgers University, Camden, while Paul Sommers is finishing his master's in education at Rowan University

When New Jersey Governor Chris Christie incorporated a plan to cut "superfluous" K-12 educational spending in 2010 and 2011, teachers and support staff positions were cut throughout the state. Immediately, most educators saw Christie as a bully who didn't understand the importance of teachers in the school setting. More recently, Christie has introduced legislation for the proposed merger of two Southern New Jersey universities: Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ and Rutgers University, Camden. The merger has come under criticism, particularly from Rutgers University administrators, alumni and students who see very few positives that accompany Rutgers University, Camden's disbandment.

Below, AIHE's Melissa Callahan and Paul Sommers share their thoughts. Melissa is a graduate student in history at Rutgers University, Camden and Paul is a graduate student in education at Rowan University.

Melissa Callahan: "There are a number of issues associated with the Rutgers-Rowan proposed merger. A primary concern is the combination of two very dissimilar colleges. Rutgers-Camden is known for its research focus, law school, strong accreditation procedures and "Public Ivy" standing. Meanwhile, Rowan University has recently incorporated a new, incomplete medical school, has a rapidly-growing engineering school and is ranked far lower nationally. The major concern is how to combine the two universities, with two sets of tenured professors making differing salaries, loss of the "Rutgers" name completely from the Camden campus and cost of combining the two colleges. I enrolled in Rutgers University and expect to get a degree from Rutgers University."

Paul Sommers: "Although critics are numerous for the Rutgers-Rowan merger, I am interested at the possibility from a Rowan University perspective. In my view, there are few negatives as a graduate student at Rowan. If the plan goes through, Rowan will take over a law school, have the money to complete the new medical school, inherit a research institution and perhaps not even have to change its name. The merger could essentially give my degree more clout in the long run, as the university would gain in national ranking with the merger. Although it would be costly and extremely difficult to combine these universities, there are few negatives for Rowan." 

Let us know your thoughts on our Facebook wall this week, as we explore the merger and recommend intriguing articles: https://www.facebook.com/myaihe

AP Course Discount: Buy 4, Get 5th Free

Anthony Fitzpatrick discusses AIHE's Twelve (12) History, Government, English and Foreign Language courses being offered in Summer 2012

REGISTRATION FORM

As a special promotion through April, AIHE is offering a price discount for groups of teachers looking to take advantage of Summer AP courses. Groups of teachers that purchase four registrations get the 5th registration for free (an $845 value). To take advantage of this offer, contact Anthony Fitzpatrick (Vice President of Professional Development) at afitzpatrick@aihe.info or (856) 803-1666. Below, Anthony discusses the benefits of the Summer AP courses.

Q:  What’s new with AIHE’s Advanced Placement Summer Workshops this year?

Anthony Fitzpatrick: We have truly expanded our AP offerings beyond United States History.  We are running programs in English Composition and Literature, Foreign Languages, Pre-AP programming in English and Social Studies, as well as a full complement of History, Government, and Geography.  We have a wonderful program for teachers and are excited about offering it to more this year.

Q:  What options are available for teachers both locally and nationwide?

AF: We have many options for teachers all over the country.  Locally, teachers can commute daily or opt to stay in a local hotel.  Teachers from around the country can select the resident option and make travel arrangements themselves or have AIHE do all of the planning.  We have very reasonable pricing options to meet every need.  Breakfast and lunch are provided for all participants at the venue while dinner is provided to participants selecting the resident options.

Q: How are AP courses impactful for teachers?

AF: AP Summer Institutes are vital for those teaching or interested in teaching Advanced Placement Courses.  They give teachers the opportunity for teachers to learn from experts in the field.  These include content experts and those trained in the course requirements so that teachers can improve their students' success on the Advanced Placement tests.  This is very helpful in allowing students to obtain college credit that can save them an enormous amount of time and money during their undergraduate experience.  As someone that attended a summer institute during my teaching career, I can attest to the fact that I was better prepared to meet the needs of my students by attending.

Q: Can I obtain graduate credit for attending? What about state professional development credit hours?

AF: We are very pleased to be able to offer 3 graduate credits for our AP Summer Institute.  This is a new option this year and something I think makes the program very attractive.  Our credit provider (Ashland University) understands the need for reasonably priced graduate credits.  In comparing what our credits cost with the cost of other institutes, we truly offer value for our teachers.  

Teachers can receive state professional development credit.  We have agreements with most states to provide continuing education units.  It should be noted that it is always wise to get prior district approval for experiences that occur outside of your state.  This expedites the process for teachers.

Q: What does Pre-AP mean?

AF: Pre-AP is a program specifically geared toward teachers that do not teach AP but want to prepare their students for a future AP course.  It focuses on skills for success that will help students succeed in dealing with literature, primary sources and other measures of skills associated with AP courses.  The program promotes the need for a vertical team of educators that all play a part in student success.  I highly recommend these programs for upper elementary, middle and high school teachers.

Q: After the course concludes each day, what goes on at night?

AF: We are very excited to offer participants evening options.  We plan on having outings to Atlantic City, a Phillies game, and Philadelphia events during our evenings.  These options will be available for a la carte purchase for participants.  We have many connections with locations in these areas and can deliver these options at cost for teachers.  I really felt that since we are surrounded by so many wonderful things, why not plan evenings for teachers to enjoy Atlantic City and Philadelphia.  We've had many teachers come to us from around the country that had never seen the ocean.  After planning an evening event for a few teachers last year, we said to ourselves - "Why can't we offer this to everyone?"

Q: How can I register?

AF: Participants can register online at: http://americaninstituteforhistory.org/services/apreg.php.  

The process is really simple.  Register, print out the form and send it in with a check or purchase order. Registration for graduate credits will be taken care of during the sessions.

Q: Final thoughts?

AF: I encourage everyone to explore these offerings.  It is so wonderful to be able to learn from experts and collaborate with other teachers.  We've worked hard to develop a program that is well-run, academically valuable, and cost effective for school districts and teachers.

For more information, check out our Advanced Placement course descriptions: http://americaninstituteforhistory.org/ap/

Traveling the Country with AIHE’s Ross Brakman

Trips this summer include San Francisco, Kansas City, Boston and New Orleans

1.     Field Study Trips have become an integral part of AIHE. Can you describe the field study program and its benefits for teachers around the nation?

The AIHE field study program takes teachers to sites across the United States that they may otherwise not have the opportunity to see.  While the experiences the teachers receive in their colloquia are unquestionably excellent, and offer an invaluable source of information for the development of the United States, there is no better way to evoke an emotional connection to history than to actually stand in the places where it happened, or to see iconic artifacts from the past.  For example, the Civil War is, always has been, and hopefully always will be a part of American historical lectures.  Learning about the war by listening to lectures from experts, or reading their books about the war, will offer insights into the conditions of the different battles that led to the victory of re-unification.  But to stand at the sites where men died, fighting for their principles, evokes a much more intimate connection to the tragedy of the war. 

Going to Harpers Ferry and seeing where John Brown held up with his allies in their efforts to incite a slave rebellion, or visiting the site of the famed Battle of New Orleans where Andrew Jackson and a ragtag group of men fought off the most powerful army of the time, or standing in the home of Harry and Bess Truman in Independence, Missouri where they lived both before and after his presidency all create connections that cannot be created through a lecture or a monograph, regardless of how good it is.

2.     How many field study trips are scheduled for this summer?

There are currently thirty field studies scheduled for this summer, taking groups to a wide variety of destinations, including:

·        New York City, NY

·        West Point, Hyde Park

·        Nashville, TN               

·        Baltimore, MD

·        Savannah, GA               

·        Washington, DC                

·        San Francisco, CA                

·        Civil War Sites Across Maryland, Pennsylvania, & Virginia

·        Gettysburg               

·        Kansas City, MO 

·        New Orleans, LA 

·        Philadelphia, PA                

·        Boston, MA               

·        Charleston, SC 

The length of time each group is traveling depends on their specific desires.  Some New Jersey-based groups will be experiencing Ellis Island and Manhattan for one day, while one-day field studies are impractical for many of the groups.  Some are taking a full week to explore cities such as Washington, DC or Boston.  Some field studies will incorporate multiple cities and states, with the number of participants ranging from 17 to 50.  AIHE is happy to provide any itinerary based on what the group is aspiring to accomplish.         

3.     What are some new destinations this summer for field studies? What field studies are most popular?

New destinations for AIHE include those in California, Missouri and Kansas.  To my knowledge, AIHE has not had the opportunity to take people to these sites before. These sites are vital to the understanding of trans-continental migration and international immigration, as well as to examine pivotal events of the 20^th century.  We are always exploring new options for groups to ensure that they receive the best educational experiences possible, as defined by their Project Directors and their colloquia.  Washington, DC is probably one of our most popular destinations because of the unbelievably rich collection of important museums, historic sites and monuments.  New York City is another destination that offers almost countless opportunities for quality educational experiences – and many opportunities for groups interested in time to explore on their own as well.

4.     How do AIHE’s field study trips work? Is there any free time?

AIHE is fully engaged in the field study, and will tailor-make it to suit the interests of each group.  If a group is interested in immersing themselves into a specific era or subject in American history but do not know where they should go, AIHE’s field study coordinator will be happy to discuss the matter with them.  For example, if they know they want to focus on immigration themes, AIHE can offer itineraries that concentrate on travel to the United States from Asian, European, and African ports.  Civil War-themed experiences have proven very engaging for groups interested in this compelling time in American history.  Ambitious groups can begin a program at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, where many consider the seeds of war to have been planted, and end at Appomattox Courthouse, where Robert E. Lee surrendered his sword to Ulysses S. Grant.  Groups more interested in 20^th century history may be better traveling to Kansas City, Missouri, where the most comprehensive museum dedicated to the first World War is situated less than an hour from the home and museum and library of Harry Truman, the president who made the command to drop the atomic bomb on two Japanese cities to end the second World War and who desegregated the United States military.  Across the border into Kansas, Topeka is the home of the Brown V. Board of Education National Historic Site, which tells the story of the desegregation of education, as well. 

We can incorporate in-depth educational programs or allow participants ample time to explore regions on their own.  Some groups prefer to fill the day and evening with activities that will keep them together.  They may want to take a sunrise cruise or see a night performance.  Other groups want to be guided through intensive educational programs during the morning, explore museums on their own in the afternoon, then let off steam in the evening, independent and on their own.  All of these are completely acceptable options and AIHE is happy to make the process as simple for them as possible.   

For more information on AIHE’s Field Studies, contact Ross at (856) 803-1669 or rbrakman@aihe.info.

Striving Readers FAQs: Is it too late to include

CICERO and CICERO Kids?

1. Is it too late to include CICERO and CICERO Kids in my grant application?   

According to Striving Readers project manager Colin Usher, additions and changes can be made to the application throughout the Spring and beyond. The original grant application can be changed and tweaked by LEAs as they explore products and services from approved vendors.

2. We're getting mediocre test results with our current products. How do we know that CICERO and CICERO Kids will offer better results? 

AIHE's products and services have been tested and evaluated by federal review committees and evaluators across the country, and the results are phenomenal. A recent article from Oklahoma, for example, shows a 20-point improvement on End-of-Year history scores from students with teachers who use CICERO and CICERO Kids. Read the full article HERE.

3. Is there a free trial available for AIHE's products? 

Yes, both CICERO (www.trycicero.com) and CICERO Kids (www.cicerokids.com) offer 14-day free trials. Both resources are online resources designed to go beyond Common Core Standards and enhance student literacy at all grade levels.

4. Are tutorials or webinars available? I'd like to know a little more about these products.

Absolutely! 20-30 minute webinars for each of these products are available with our team of creators. They are happy to walk you through the products and show you the ins and outs of these online resources. Call Mike Silvia at (856) 803-1678 to set up an appointment, or e-mail us at solutions@aihe.info.

5. Does AIHE offer training for these products? What about professional development?

AIHE offers school districts free training sessions with building or district purchase of CICERO or CICERO Kids. In addition, AIHE was founded on the principle of engaging professional development and completes over 1,000 days of professional development nationwide each year. You can find more information on our website: www.aihe.info

Civic Awareness Day – June 1 & 2 at Rutgers University

Two-day workshop is designed to help teachers better understand how to integrate the teaching of democracy into their curriculum

Promoting Citizenship and Civic Consciousness:

Studying the History of American Democracy

June 1-2, 2012

8:30 am – 3:00 pm

Rutgers University

Busch Student Center

126 College Avenue

New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Price: FREE!

*12 Professional Development Credit Hours awarded upon completion

To sign up, send an e-mail to: info@franklinsopus.org

While youth in the Middle East and elsewhere demonstrate a level of political participation consciousness and commitment to democracy, American students seem increasingly disenchanted, if not disinterested, in politics.  Among the 18-30 year old demographic, voter turnout is low and cynicism and indifference are widespread.

Declining party identification and political participation among parents is reflected in the lack of interest in politics and civic affairs among their children.  The teaching of the democratic traditions that made the United States a great county and one that so many others have sought to emulate is no longer a core component of the secondary school curriculum. 

By adopting a historical approach, the workshop seeks to promote a dynamic understanding of democracy in America that views it as undergoing a continuous process of change.

Join Dr. Eric Davis and Dr. Fran Macko for a two day workshop designed to help teachers better understand how to integrate the teaching of democracy into their curriculum.  By adopting a historical approach, the workshop seeks to promote a dynamic understanding of democracy in America that views it as undergoing a continuous process of change.

Learn more and view the agenda at www.franklinsopus.org/civic-awareness-day/.

The History Hub, an Online Community of History Lovers

Franklin’s Opus, AIHE’s sister organization, has created a place where students, teachers, museums, historical organizations and university partners can gather to discuss historical interests

COME ONE, COME ALL to Franklin’s Opus’ History Hub! The “Hub” is a free, online community where all individuals are welcome to join as a member and to create a group for your venue, group, or class.  The goal of this community is to provide a place where everyone with an interest in history can learn from and network with others who share their passion.

WHAT CAN I DO HERE?

·        Spiff up your profile page: In the right navigation, click Settings and tell us about yourself, your work, and what you like to do. Most of all, have fun customizing your page!

·        Join a group: Looking for like-minded individuals? We have special interest groups, tools, and topics—there’s a group for every interest! 

·        Start or join a discussion: Ask a question, give advice, or leave a comment for a friend. 

·        Write a blog: Got a lot on your mind? Consider writing an ongoing blog and reading others’ posts and comments. 

Click here to join the Hub!

CICERO Kids™ Contest to Win a SONY Tablet™ S

Free trial automatically enters you into a chance to win free prizes, including a SONY Tablet™ S and a lifetime subscription to CICERO Kids™

To celebrate the release of CICERO Kids™, we’re offering fans the chance to win a lifetime subscription plus a SONY Tablet™ S! This is a $649 value. The only way to win is to sign up for a free trial before April 30^th, with the winner announced on Friday, May 4^th. Official contest rules are below:

1.     Sign up for a free trial account for CICERO Kids™ in the month of March or April.

2.     You are automatically entered in a drawing for the Sony Tablet™ S and CICERO Kids subscription.

3.     No purchase is necessary. All entries must be created online by creating a free trial account for CICERO Kids.

4.     Click HERE to create your free account at www.cicerokids.com and be entered to win!

Learn more about CICERO Kids by watching this short video:

“Classroom Historians” published by Robby Brown and Dr. Fran Macko

New book, co-written by AIHE staff, presents historical thinking and reading methods designed to build classroom historians and engage all students in history

History is a vibrant and passionate discipline that provides learners with a unique lens to view how we, as a nation and as a people, achieved our position in the world. The past, however, can be a confusing and mystifying world if students are not armed with the skills to think historically or read history texts and historical sources.  How can educators prepare their students to think and read as historians do, and engage them in critical thinking activities that require intense processing and investigation?

Classroom Historians: Building Student Understanding of the Past addresses this question by presenting both the concepts and research that underlie historical thinking and reading, and the processes and strategies that teachers need to engage students in history and build the skills they need to become classroom historians.  The authors provide targeted strategies, teaching models, graphic organizers and step by step instructions for classroom activities that can be applied to students in grades 4-12.

With the current push toward adoption of the Common Core Standards, these strategies provide teachers with the tools necessary to help students meet - and exceed - those standards.

You can buy Classroom Historians through AIHE (856.241.1990) for a discounted rate, or online at Amazon.com

Photographs of the Underground Railroad: Exploring the Mt. Zion Church in Swedesboro, NJ

Active church includes hidden doorways used to hide slaves on the Underground Railroad

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania,

the Pennsylvania Commission on Judicial Independence,

and the Pennsylvania Coalition for Representative Democracy (PennCORD)

Present

“A CONFERENCE ON THE JUDICIARY FOR TEACHERS”

Lehigh County Courthouse

455 West Hamilton Street

Allentown, PA 18101-1614

April 18, 2012

8:30a.m. – 3:00p.m.

·         Learn about the Pennsylvania and United States Constitutions in this engaging and interactive one-day institute.  The program is free to Pennsylvania educators. 

·         Review and examine key cases in the history of judicial review and learn about it from both a United States and Pennsylvania Constitutional perspective. 

·         Learn how the United States Supreme Court has changed its role over the course of history and how this affects the division of powers between the federal and state governments. 

·         Hear how state constitutions are being used by state courts as a basis of protecting individual rights.  The Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision in Theodore v. Delaware Valley (a case involving drug testing in the schools) will be examined. 

·         Receive free lesson materials from the Pennsylvania Bar Association on the Pennsylvania and United States Constitutions that can be used with students in the classrooms. 

·         Network with colleagues and exchange ideas on teaching about the courts and judicial system.

·         Find out how to follow cases moving up to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and how to create your own lessons on past or future court cases. 

·         Engage in a mock Pennsylvania Supreme Court argument with a distinguished panel of jurists and a team of your colleagues. 

·         Hear from a prominent panel of jurists about how Pennsylvania’s court system works and what judges do: from the minor courts to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. 

AGENDA

8:30 a.m.     Registration

9:00 a.m.     Welcome

9:10 a.m.     Warm-up Exercise

9:45 a.m.     Roundtable: Judges on Judging

 10:45 a.m.     Break

11:00 a.m.     Standard Aligned System Mock PA Supreme Court Argument

12:15 p.m.     Luncheon

1:15 p.m.     Changing Roles: The Old, Modern and Contemporary Courts and their Impact on Federalism

2:45 p.m.     Evaluation

RSVP no later than April 2, 2012 to speckerb@arcadia.edu.

Post-War Suffrage Campaign

Dr. Judith Giesberg, of Villanova University, presents this month's Talking History on post-war suffrage and the women of the Civil War

TALKING HISTORY REGISTRATION

March’s Talking History presentation, scheduled for Tuesday, March 27^th at 7:30pm, will focus on women during and immediately following the Civil War.

Dr. Judith Giesberg, an associate professor of History at Villanova University, has completed extensive research on this topic and will specifically present information on the post-war suffrage campaign.

Dr. Giesberg’s most recent book, entitled Army at Home: Women and the Civil War on the Northern Home Front (Civil War America), introduces readers to women whose Civil War experiences have long been ignored. Dr. Giesberg examines the lives of working-class women in the North, for whom home front was a battlefield of its own.

Black and white working-class women managed farms that had been left without a male head of household, worked in munitions factories, made uniforms, and located and cared for injured or dead soldiers. As they became more active in their new roles, they became visible as political actors, writing letters, signing petitions, moving (or refusing to move) from their homes, and confronting civilian and military officials. 

At the heart of the book are stories of women who fought the draft in New York and Pennsylvania, protested segregated streetcars in San Francisco and Philadelphia, and demanded a living wage in the needle trades and safer conditions at the Federal arsenals where they labored. Dr. Giesberg challenges readers to think about women and children who were caught up in the military conflict but nonetheless refused to become its collateral damage. She offers a dramatic reinterpretation of how America's Civil War reshaped the lived experience of race and gender and brought swift and lasting changes to working-class family life. This insightful examination of the women (and men) who served during the Civil War in the U.S. Sanitary Commission (USSC), the largest wartime benevolent institution, challenges established scholarship on the history of women's public activism. Dr. Giesberg demonstrates convincingly that the Civil War generation of women provided a crucial link between the local evangelical crusades of the early nineteenth century and the sweeping national reform and suffrage movements of the postwar period.

To purchase this book, visit our bookstore: http://astore.amazon.com/aibo05-20/detail/080783307X

Civic Awareness Day – June 1 & 2 at Rutgers University

Two-day workshop is designed to help teachers better understand how to integrate the teaching of democracy into their curriculum

Promoting Citizenship and Civic Consciousness:

Studying the History of American Democracy

June 1-2, 2012

8:30 am – 3:00 pm

Rutgers University

Busch Student Center

126 College Avenue

New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Price: FREE!

*12 Professional Development Credit Hours awarded upon completion

To sign up, send an e-mail to: info@franklinsopus.org

While youth in the Middle East and elsewhere demonstrate a level of political participation consciousness and commitment to democracy, American students seem increasingly disenchanted, if not disinterested, in politics.  Among the 18-30 year old demographic, voter turnout is low and cynicism and indifference are widespread.

Declining party identification and political participation among parents is reflected in the lack of interest in politics and civic affairs among their children.  The teaching of the democratic traditions that made the United States a great county and one that so many others have sought to emulate is no longer a core component of the secondary school curriculum. 

By adopting a historical approach, the workshop seeks to promote a dynamic understanding of democracy in America that views it as undergoing a continuous process of change.

Join Dr. Eric Davis and Dr. Fran Macko for a two day workshop designed to help teachers better understand how to integrate the teaching of democracy into their curriculum.  By adopting a historical approach, the workshop seeks to promote a dynamic understanding of democracy in America that views it as undergoing a continuous process of change.

The History Hub, an Online Community of History Lovers

Franklin’s Opus, AIHE’s sister organization, has created a place where students, teachers, museums, historical organizations and university partners can gather to discuss historical interests

COME ONE, COME ALL to Franklin’s Opus’ History Hub! The “Hub” is a free, online community where all individuals are welcome to join as a member and to create a group for your venue, group, or class.  The goal of this community is to provide a place where everyone with an interest in history can learn from and network with others who share their passion.

WHAT CAN I DO HERE?

·        Spiff up your profile page: In the right navigation, click Settings and tell us about yourself, your work, and what you like to do. Most of all, have fun customizing your page!

·        Join a group: Looking for like-minded individuals? We have special interest groups, tools, and topics—there’s a group for every interest! 

·        Start or join a discussion: Ask a question, give advice, or leave a comment for a friend. 

·        Write a blog: Got a lot on your mind? Consider writing an ongoing blog and reading others’ posts and comments. 

Click here to join the Hub!

AP Summer Institute Courses Announced

Anthony Fitzpatrick discusses AIHE's Twelve (12) History, Government, English and Foreign Language courses being offered in Summer 2012

REGISTRATION FORM

Anthony Fitzpatrick is AIHE’s Vice President of Professional Development Services. Anthony is AIHE's most requested presenter, traveling throughout the country to present professional development sessions on social studies content and pedagogy.

Q:  What’s new with AIHE’s Advanced Placement Summer Workshops this year?

Anthony Fitzpatrick: We have truly expanded our AP offerings beyond United States History.  We are running programs in English Composition and Literature, Foreign Languages, Pre-AP programming in English and Social Studies, as well as a full complement of History, Government, and Geography.  We have a wonderful program for teachers and are excited about offering it to more this year.

Q:  What options are available for teachers both locally and nationwide?

AF: We have many options for teachers all over the country.  Locally, teachers can commute daily or opt to stay in a local hotel.  Teachers from around the country can select the resident option and make travel arrangements themselves or have AIHE do all of the planning.  We have very reasonable pricing options to meet every need.  Breakfast and lunch are provided for all participants at the venue while dinner is provided to participants selecting the resident options.

Q: How are AP courses impactful for teachers?

AF: AP Summer Institutes are vital for those teaching or interested in teaching Advanced Placement Courses.  They give teachers the opportunity for teachers to learn from experts in the field.  These include content experts and those trained in the course requirements so that teachers can improve their students' success on the Advanced Placement tests.  This is very helpful in allowing students to obtain college credit that can save them an enormous amount of time and money during their undergraduate experience.  As someone that attended a summer institute during my teaching career, I can attest to the fact that I was better prepared to meet the needs of my students by attending.

Q: Can I obtain graduate credit for attending? What about state professional development credit hours?

AF: We are very pleased to be able to offer 3 graduate credits for our AP Summer Institute.  This is a new option this year and something I think makes the program very attractive.  Our credit provider (Ashland University) understands the need for reasonably priced graduate credits.  In comparing what our credits cost with the cost of other institutes, we truly offer value for our teachers.  

Teachers can receive state professional development credit.  We have agreements with most states to provide continuing education units.  It should be noted that it is always wise to get prior district approval for experiences that occur outside of your state.  This expedites the process for teachers.

Q: What does Pre-AP mean?

AF: Pre-AP is a program specifically geared toward teachers that do not teach AP but want to prepare their students for a future AP course.  It focuses on skills for success that will help students succeed in dealing with literature, primary sources and other measures of skills associated with AP courses.  The program promotes the need for a vertical team of educators that all play a part in student success.  I highly recommend these programs for upper elementary, middle and high school teachers.

Q: After the course concludes each day, what goes on at night?

AF: We are very excited to offer participants evening options.  We plan on having outings to Atlantic City, a Phillies game, and Philadelphia events during our evenings.  These options will be available for a la carte purchase for participants.  We have many connections with locations in these areas and can deliver these options at cost for teachers.  I really felt that since we are surrounded by so many wonderful things, why not plan evenings for teachers to enjoy Atlantic City and Philadelphia.  We've had many teachers come to us from around the country that had never seen the ocean.  After planning an evening event for a few teachers last year, we said to ourselves - "Why can't we offer this to everyone?"

Q: How can I register?

AF: Participants can register online at: http://americaninstituteforhistory.org/services/apreg.php.  

The process is really simple.  Register, print out the form and send it in with a check or purchase order. Registration for graduate credits will be taken care of during the sessions.

Q: Final thoughts?

AF: I encourage everyone to explore these offerings.  It is so wonderful to be able to learn from experts and collaborate with other teachers.  We've worked hard to develop a program that is well-run, academically valuable, and cost effective for school districts and teachers.

For more information, check out our Advanced Placement course descriptions: http://americaninstituteforhistory.org/ap/

March 1st Deadline for $24,000 James Madison

Fellowship Scholarships

The Foundation offers James Madison Fellowships of up to $24,000 to middle and high school teachers seeking to obtain a Masters Degree in History

The American Institute for History Education (AIHE) and the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation (Foundation) are pleased to announce the 2012 Graduate Fellowship competition, offering scholarships to a select group of individuals desiring to become outstanding teachers of the American Constitution. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2012.

The Foundation offers James Madison Fellowships of up to $24,000 to middle and high school teachers (as well as recent college graduates planning a teaching career) seeking to obtain a Masters Degree with an emphasis in History and Constitutional Studies.  Fellowship applicants compete only against other applicants from the state of their legal residence. Generally, one Fellowship per state is awarded each year. Detailed application information can be found at http://www.act.org/madison/.

The James Madison Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 for the purpose of improving teaching about the United States Constitution in secondary schools. The Foundation is an independent agency of the Executive Branch of the federal government. Funding for the Foundation’s programs comes from Congress and generous contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations. The Foundation has a Board of Trustees and its daily operations are directed by a president and a small staff. The Foundation’s office is located in Washington, D.C.

For more information, contact the James Madison Foundation at http://www.jamesmadison.gov/.

Bring HISTORY to Elementary Students

CICERO Kids™, ClickNKIDS and eSchools offer wide varieties of options for the Young Reader

Every day, the new phrase on the lips of administrators around the country is “Common Core.” We can ignore it for a few more months, but training will begin next school year with testing beginning in 2013-2014. Now, teachers of Language Arts will have to teach historical documents while Social Studies teachers will have to delve into the world of English-Language Arts. Common Core is here to stay, and we have the tools necessary for success.

So, what do you get when you combine CICERO Kids™ with ClickN KIDS Reading, Phonics and Spelling, and you place it all on an eSchools Learning Management System? That’s correct! A 21st century teaching tool that meets all Common Core Requirements. As we continue to combine these components into the ultimate Elementary resource for Common Core, we’ll continue to send you updates and a free trial. These resources separately are wonderful (see below) and we’re thrilled with the projected final result. Replace your antiquated textbooks and workbooks for $10 per student or LESS! 

Below you’ll find additional information on these resources, including the hyperlinks to their websites. Please call us for pricing: (856) 241-1990

CICERO Kids™ - http://www.cicerokids.com

Let your teaching adventures begin with CICERO Kids™! An interactive museum is the setting for students in Preschool through 5th grade to learn American history and social studies. CICERO Kids™ provides powerful, sustainable and easy to use multimedia digital resources designed to engage students, enhance the overall learning environment and increase student achievement.  

eSchools™ - http://www.eschools.us/

eSchools is a complete education management system for Elementary, Junior and High Schools . . .an integrated system with real-time data, from any location at your finger tips.

ClickNKIDS™ - http://www.clicknkids.com/

Beginning reading, spelling and phonics programs that closely matches live expert reading tutor instruction. On-screen instructor speaks exactly like an expert reading tutor in a live classroom.  Colorful Looney Tunes® characters lead the way to learning. 

An Interview with ClickN KIDS CEO, Armie Carabet

ClickNKIDS products, including Looney Tunes ClickN READ Phonics and ClickN SPELL, are now available through AIHE

Q:  Can you give our readers a brief background of ClickNKids? How and when did your company begin, and is your primary focus online resources?

Armie Carabet:  In 2004, ClickN KIDS launched their highly acclaimed ClickN READ Phonics program. ClickN KIDS has now combined their scientific research based curriculum with the world-famous Looney Tunes characters, under the title Looney Tunes ClickN READ Phonics. ClickN KIDS is utilizing the power of the internet to deliver interactive and individualized programs that couple sound instructional design with state-of-the-art technology to deliver instruction unrestricted by geography or time. The beginning reading program, ClickN READ Phonics, is regarded as cutting edge and the first of its kind by the academic community. Looney Tunes ClickN READ Phonics, based on the original ClickN READ Phonics program, is a proven concept for teaching children to read and retain with measurable results.  

Q:  Can you give a short description of each of your products and the appropriate age level?

AC:  ClickN KIDS currently has 3 live educational programs available for all students. ClickN READ Phonics, ClickN SPELL & Looney Tunes ClickN READ Phonics.

-ClickN READ Phonics: ClickN READ Phonics teaches the entire kindergarten to 3rd grade phonics curriculum taught at USA public schools through 100 interactive cartoon animated online phonics lessons. Any child can learn English, and learn to read correctly, in a phonics game-like environment that is great fun and easy to use. Our phonics program is designed for children as young as 4 years old learning to read English for the first time, older children struggling to learn to read, learning disabled children and even adults learning English as a second language.

- ClickN SPELL: ClickN SPELL is a research based spelling program for PreK through 5th grade that teaches the 800 most commonly used words in the English language. The program may also be used as an intervention curriculum for struggling spellers regardless of age or grade level. Mastering this list of words has been proven to be very successful in mastering English. For example, the most commonly spoken 800 words are used 13 times more frequently than the next most common 800 words. ClickN SPELL therefore provides a solid foundation not just for spelling, but also for the English language in general.

- Looney Tunes ClickN READ Phonics: Delivered online, Looney Tunes Phonics contains 100 research based interactive cartoon lessons that teach the entire kindergarten to 3rd grade phonics curriculum. Children master reading skills in an interactive environment that is fun and easy to use. Featuring the zany antics of Bugs Bunny, Daffy, Taz, Tweety and more, children learn to read the right way with help from the world famous Looney Tunes characters. The Looney Tunes gang entertains your child and kids will delight in meeting the new character Professor Wizbot, the on-screen instructor in Looney Tunes Phonics, who teaches one click at a time®.

Q:  Can you give us a little more information about the Looney Tunes ClickN READ Phonics?

AC:  Looney Tunes ClickN READ Phonics is based on the research literature on effective reading instruction as reviewed and summarized by the National Reading Panel. In addition, Looney Tunes ClickN READ Phonics is conceptualized as a Tier II-Supplemental instructional intervention that supports and is linked directly with the core beginning reading instruction provided in general education classrooms. The target letter sounds, sight words, word families, prefixes, and suffixes taught in Looney Tunes ClickN READ Phonics were carefully selected and organized into a scope and sequence directly aligned and synchronized with the typical introduction of these elements in core beginning reading curricula.

Q:  One of the fascinating parts of the ClickN KIDS program is the ability for the teacher to see detailed student reports broken down into strengths and weaknesses. Can you give us a little more information on this?

AC:  Here are the details regarding ClickN KIDS “Industry Best Reports”:

-Industry Best Progress Reports: All mouse and keyboard entries are saved and can be viewed any time from any online computer. Our progress reports show a level of precision not found in other phonics reading programs!

-Cumulative Results Report: This report combines all Individual Reports into one easy to understand summary report customized for each user. See scores as a percentage and compare them to other users. Easily identify the exact areas in which your child may need help and then see the specific lessons to repeat if necessary. http://www.looneytunesphonics.com/public/sample_cumulative_report.php

-Individual Lesson Report: Individual lesson reports are shown at the end of every lesson showing exactly how each child performed on that lesson. Reports for all lessons (even repeated lessons) are auto-saved and can be viewed online any time. http://www.looneytunesphonics.com/public/sample_individual_report.php

-School Account License Usage Report: This report is a very powerful tool for schools. Monitor activity levels for all licenses purchased and view usage data for all teachers and students. http://www.looneytunesphonics.com/public/sample_usage_report.php

-For School Administrators: Program administrators have easy access any time to data for reporting requirements and to allocate student licenses more effectively. Additionally, there is visibility of exactly where help may be needed to increase usage of the program(s) also helping to maximize the return on investment.

-For Teachers: Improve time management, Teachers have their own personal dashboard showing the current lesson for each student as well as lessons completed, average lessons run per week, total weeks used plus starting and most recently used dates. This snapshot view allows teachers to multi-task and manage multiple students more effectively.

Q:  Can you describe the advantages of partnering with AIHE’s CICERO Systems?

AC:  ClickN KIDS is thrilled to have partnered with AIHE. We view AIHE as a leading education company whom carries relationships with various school districts across the country. Partnering with AIHE was a natural fit for ClickN KIDS; we are confident in AIHE’s ability to distribute ClickN KIDS products more efficiently than other potential or current distributors as AIHE is not a traditional distributor who carries thousands of products and particular core product focus. We believe that AIHE’s ability to focus on the ClickN KIDS product will aid expand the expansion of the ClickN KIDS brand while helping to create a successful 2012 for AIHE and ClickN KIDS.

Be the First to Test Drive CICERO Kids™

CICERO Kids™ is in Beta Version, available for a limited trial

Provide CICERO Kids™ feedback HERE:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MC2Y3RT

CICERO Kids™ is a new, interactive digital resource from the minds behind CICERO: History Beyond the Textbook™. Currently in Beta Version for testing, the creative team is offering an exclusive free trial for feedback. CICERO Kids™ was created by teachers for teacher and student use, specifically designed for the PreK-5^th grade Social Studies, U.S. History and Language Arts classroom.

For your free trial of CICERO Kids™, simply go to www.cicerokids.com and click on the top-right corner button entitled “LOGIN.” This will prompt you to create an account. Once this step is completed, feel free to explore Unit 1 (Explorers & New World Settlements) on the far left of the Main Lobby. Features include the “Learning Table,” “Map Drawer,” “Reader’s Corner,” “Sights and Sounds,” “Work Files,” “Research Center,” and the “Challenge Chest.”

In the main lobby, you’ll find our STEM-based characters, including Simon (Science), Tullia (Technology), Enzo (Engineering), and Megan (Math) along with Arturo (Arts), Mr. Harvey (Reading) and Ms. Livy (Museum Curator). Tullia and Enzo will reappear throughout the museum, giving you the ability to learn interesting historical facts and teach your students about featured artifacts. The STEM focus reaches beyond just the characters, integrated into the lessons and activities provided within each unit. Students are also able to explore the rooms, having the opportunity to learn about the explorers through an interactive map or watch an exciting video on the Native Americans!

After taking a few moments to review CICERO Kids™, please provide us with your feedback via SurveyMonkey:

Provide CICERO Kids™ feedback HERE:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MC2Y3RT

National Heroes Day History Contest Announced

Franklin's Opus, AIHE's sister nonprofit organization, recently announced the second annual Heroes Day History Bowl

www.nationalheroesday.com

What is the Heroes Day Contest?

• It's a fun, friendly  competition between students from schools across the country who love history
• All components of the contest are online and can be completed by one or more member(s) of each team in any order between January 15^th, 2012 and April 5^th, 2012
• Plus, it's FREE!!!!  There are absolutely no charges associated with competing 

Who can compete?

• Teams from across the United States composed of 6 students 
• Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors in public or private high schools
• Each team must have a teacher adviser
• Schools and Teachers may enroll more than one team

How Do I Register?

• Name your team!  Teacher Advisers must create an account on Franklin's Opus History Hub and create a group name for each team
• Once registered in The Hub, you can access the various components of the competition 
• We will use The Hub to send out updates and track the standings in the contest

Where is the contest held?

• The preliminary components of the contest are all online, found in the Franklin's Opus History Hub
• The top 5 teams will win $1000.00 towards their travel costs to the History Bowl Contest at a location to be determined
• The first video and two guided readings are currently on the website, with more to come!

How do I become a finalist?

• Watch and Complete Quizzes on Three (3) Who's My Hero Videos
• Read and Complete Quizzes on Twelve (12) Heroes Readings
• Post One(1) Student-Generated Hero Video, PowerPoint or Multimedia presentation (tiebreaker) on Franklin's Opus History Hub

For questions, please e-mail us at 

info@franklinsopus.org

AIHE, ClickNKids Announce Partnership

ClickNKids products like ClickNRead Phonics and ClickNSpell will perfectly complement AIHE’s newest product, CICERO Kids™

Swedesboro, NJ (January 30, 2011) — The American Institute for History Education (AIHE) is pleased to announce a partnership with ClickNKids, the creator of the best online reading products for the Young Learner on the market today. Its signature product, ClickNRead Phonics, is an interactive reading program with hundreds of lessons for Kingergarten-3^rd Grade students. One of its best functions is the teacher reporting section, which allows teachers to view their individual students’ results broken down into sound, speed and difficulty.

ClickNKids’ mission is to become the foremost provider of engaging and highly interactive software and scientific research-based curriculum available in an online format. All curriculum was created based on the National Reading Panel Research led by Dr. J. Ron Nelson, a nationally recognized early education professor. ClickNKids programs are also correlated to Language Arts Core Curriculum Standards and categorized based on a carefully organized scope and sequence.

ClickNRead Phonics and ClickNSpell will perfectly complement the launch of the STEM-based CICERO Kids™, giving school districts numerous available bundle options for the Young Learner.

For more information on ClickNKids, visit their website at www.clicknkids.com or contact AIHE at solutions@aihe.info. 

American Indian and European Encounters, 1500-1775

William Bauer, University of Nevada – Las Vegas

*To view Professor Bauer’s archived Talking History presentation, CLICK HERE

The meeting between Indigenous North Americans and Europeans in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries was a momentous event in the world’s history.  For one, it brought together representatives of vastly different cultures and nations.  Sometimes peaceful, often violent, scholars have pondered the meanings of these encounters for centuries.  Additionally, contact altered the globe’s economy.  Natural resources – whether beaver skins, fish, or gold – left North, Central and South America for Europe in exchange for manufactured goods. We have been convinced, however, that the meeting of two continents represented a clash of cultures.  Although this certainly explains some encounters between Indigenous peoples and Europeans, it fails to consider all.  This presentation looks at some theories or interpretations about the cultural encounter and then considers more closely the political and economic relationship between Hurons and the French in 17^th and 18^th century Great Lakes.  I suggest that it might be more profitable to look at areas of Native and European cooperation as much as conflict in early North American history.

There are several ways to interpret the encounter between Indigenous people and Europeans.  The most common explanation was cultural conflict.  Here, American Indians and Europeans possessed vastly different cultural practices and could not any area of compromise.  A good example of cultural conflict is land and land ownership.  Europeans came to North America with and developed practices of private property (land) ownership.  American Indians possessed a more communal pattern of land ownership, where communities and larger political entities owned the land but all people had access to use it.  These two land ownership systems clashed throughout the sixteenth, seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in treaty councils.  Another explanation is cultural accommodation, where American Indians and Europeans found areas of common ground in North America.  We will explore examples of these in more detail in our presentation.  Finally, cultural disagreements occurred throughout North American history.  American Indians and Europeans understood that they had similar experiences, cultures and beliefs, however they dwelled on their cultural differences, not similarities.  In other words, American Indians and Europeans had similar goals in the encounter – diplomatic, economic and social ones.  Yet, rather then looking for the areas that united them, both sides frequently emphasized what made them different.   

In this month’s Talking History, we explored several examples of cultural accommodation in North America.  We also focused on the economic and political relationships between the Huron and their French neighbors in the Great Lakes region in the seventeenth century.  Here, Hurons and the French relied on one another for their economic and political survival.  Moreover, neither side could force one another to do the other’s bidding.  Thus, they had to discover and cultivate areas where they could understand one another and work together in North America.  Furthermore, I suggested that these cultural accommodations were extremely profitable and productive for both sides. 

Further Reading:

Calvin Martin, Keepers of the Game: Indian-Animal Relationships and the Fur Trade (University of California Press, 1977)

Richard White, The Middle Ground: Indians, Empires and Republics in the Great Lakes Region, 1650-1815 (Cambridge University Press, 1991)

James Merrell, The Indians’ New World: Catawbas and Their Neighbors from European Contact to the Age of Removal (University of North Carolina Press, 2009, 1989).

James Merrell, Into the American Woods: Negotiators on the Pennsylvania Frontier (W.W. Norton, 2000).

William Bauer (Wailacki and Concow of the Round Valley Indian Tribes) is an associate professor of history at the University of Nevada – Las Vegas.  He is the author of “We Were All Like Migrant Workers Here”: Labor, Community and Memory on California’s Round Valley Reservation, 1850-1941. 

James Madison Foundation offers $24,000 scholarships to Graduate Students

Scholarships offered to applicants in every state, with the application deadline scheduled for March 1, 2012

Swedesboro, NJ (January 30, 2012) – The American Institute for History Education (AIHE) and the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation (Foundation) are pleased to announce the 2012 Graduate Fellowship competition, offering scholarships to a select group of individuals desiring to become outstanding teachers of the American Constitution. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2012.

The Foundation offers James Madison Fellowships of up to $24,000 to middle and high school teachers (as well as recent college graduates planning a teaching career) seeking to obtain a Masters Degree with an emphasis in constitutional studies.  Fellowship applicants compete only against other applicants from the state of their legal residence. Generally, one Fellowship per state is awarded each year. Detailed application information can be found at http://www.act.org/madison/.

The James Madison Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 for the purpose of improving teaching about the United States Constitution in secondary schools. The Foundation is an independent agency of the Executive Branch of the federal government. Funding for the Foundation’s programs comes from Congress and generous contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations. The Foundation has a Board of Trustees and its daily operations are directed by a president and a small staff. The Foundation’s office is located in Washington, D.C.

For more information, contact the James Madison Foundation at http://www.jamesmadison.gov/.