U.S. Department of Education Leaders Highlight Civics Education at “History Rocks!” Events in Vermont and West Virginia

Today, leaders from the U.S. Department of Education visited schools in Newport, Vermont and Beckley, West Virginia as part of the Department of Education's national History Rocks!Trail to Independence tour, in celebration of America's upcoming 250th birthday. The tour aims to strengthen civic literacy by helping students personally connect with America's founding principles.

U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary for Legislation and Congressional Affairs Mary Christina Riley visited United Christian Academy in Newport, Vermont. Riley toured the academy and observed several classes from kindergarten through twelfth grades, learning how students and teachers dissect our nation's history, the history of Vermont, and the importance of civic engagement.

"As one of the oldest states in our nation, students in Vermont have a unique opportunity to learn the history that surrounds them and the value civic participation," said Mary Christina Riley, U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary for Legislation and Congressional Affairs. "Programs like History Rocks! help bring those values to life for students, showing how the principles discussed in town halls and classrooms alike continue to shape our nation after 250 years."

Additionally, U.S. Department of Education Senior Advisor to the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Greg Dolan visited Liberty High School in Beckley, West Virginia, where four hundred students in ninth through twelfth grades participated in interactive games designed to deepen their understanding of American history and civics, as well as the important role West Virginia has played in our nation's history. Students explored the themes of civic engagement, patriotism, and the shared responsibilities of citizenship. The event opened with remarks from Principal Jamie Newman and Raleigh County Schools Superintendent Dr. Serena Starcher, followed by Senior Advisor Dolan.

Background

The History Rocks! initiative is a key component of the U.S. Department of Education's celebrations for America's 250th birthday, in partnership with Freedom 250 and coordinated with the America 250 Civics Education Coalition. Secretary McMahon, Administration officials, and education leaders will visit schools in all 50 states to showcase examples of high-quality history and civics instruction that bring American principles to life.

Learn more about the Department's Semiquincentennial initiatives here.

Freedom 250 leads the presidential programming for the nation's 250th anniversary celebration. Its mission is to unite Americans around one shared purpose-celebrating the Triumph of the American Spirit by honoring our history, cherishing our freedoms, and building the golden age of opportunity for the next 250 years.

Learn more about Freedom 250 here.

The America 250 Civics Education Coalition is a national partnership with the America First Policy Institute, Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College, and more than 50 national and state organizations. This coalition is dedicated to advancing civic education and expanding opportunities for students to learn about the ideas, individuals, and events that define the American story.