Celebrate Freedom Week

Celebrate Freedom Week was instituted in 2001 with the passage of HB 1776

Instruction should focus on the following during the week of September 17th (Constitution Day) or another week that the local school board may choose.

•  The intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, in their historical context.
• The study of the Declaration of Independence should include the relationship of the ideas expressed in that document to subsequent American history, including but not limited to:
• The relationship of its ideas to the rich diversity of our people as a nation of immigrants,
• The American Revolution,
• The formulation of the United States Constitution,
• The abolitionist movement, which led to the Emancipation Proclamation and the women's suffrage movement."

Resources

Here are some valuable resources that may assist you in planning for this week of instruction.

• Law Focused Education, Inc.
• Federal Resources for Educational Excellence (FREE)
• NARA Charters of Freedom Exhibit
• NARA Constitution Day Activities
• Annenberg Classroom Constitution Day Resources
• Constitution Center, Philadelphia, PA
• Thomas - The Library of Congress
• U.S. Courts - Website of the Federal Judiciary
• A to Z Teacher Stuff
• Center for Civic Education
• NEH - EDSITEment
• Integrating Technology in the Classroom - Wes Fryer

Information on the original legislation as well as references in the TEC and TAC are available along with additional resources and links on the TEA SSC website. Please visit www.tea.state.tx.us/ssc for additional information.