Why History and The Project @ Fresno State Matter

by Melissa Jordine

Currently, the entire educational system, including both K-12 schools and universities, are impacted by budget reductions and an increasing emphasis on accountability and on Math and Reading proficiencies.  Therefore, it is now more important than ever to ensure that highly quality instruction in History is available to all students in California.  The idea that one must focus on either high proficiency in reading and writing or historical content is untenable.  As the History Projects have demonstrated, it is possible to improve students' reading, writing, and analytical skills through the use of historical documents and literature.  These same sources provide much-needed content knowledge.  The History Project @ Fresno State, in conjunction with the other California History Social Science projects, is working to raise awareness in regard to the elimination of History from lower grade levels. It is simultaneously continuing to provide professional development for K-12 teachers as they face both traditional and new challenges in the classroom. The History Project has continued to partner with the Fresno Unified School District, the Clovis School District, the Fresno Office County of Education, the Tulare County Office of Education, and other institutions to provide literacy training and in-depth content knowledge through seminars, workshops, and Teaching American History Grants. The History Project @ Fresno State has a profound commitment to reaching and improving the education and lives of students and teachers in California's Central Valley.

To register please call Program Administrator Sharon Vock at (559) 278-6079 or Program Coordinator Dr. Melissa Jordine at (559) 278-5418.