The CNA Corporation's Education Center Evaluates Teaching American History Programs

July 12, 2004
For Immediate Release
Contact: Noel L. Gerson
703-855-1165
gersonn@cna.org

The CNA Corporation's Education Center is evaluating a U.S. Department of Education grant program, "Teaching American History," in three Virginia school districts. Those districts are Alexandria, Fauquier County and Newport News. Developed with assistance from historians at George Mason University, Old Dominion University, the Smithsonian, and other partners, the programs are designed to spark greater interest among teachers and students and to improve the quality of instruction at the elementary and secondary school levels. The CNA Corporation analysts are leading the evaluation.

The Education Center will collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data to assess the fidelity of program implementation and changes in teaching and learning. Teaching American History grants support three-year projects to improve teachers' content knowledge, understanding and appreciation for American history through intensive, ongoing professional development. These projects help teachers develop further expertise in American history and improve teaching strategies and lesson plans.

For more information on this program visit http://www.ed.gov/programs/teachinghistory/.

CNA is a non-profit institution that operates on the principle of conducting honest, accurate, actionable research and analysis to inform the important work of public sector leaders. For more than 60 years we have helped bring creative solutions to a vast array of complex public interest challenges.