September 13, 2010
TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED:
SUBJECT: Celebrate Freedom Week and Constitution Day – September 17, 2010
The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) has designated September 17 as Constitution Day and requires that all local education agencies (LEAs) receiving federal funds, including NCLB and IDEA, must teach about the U.S. Constitution on that day in each year. Additionally, Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.907 designates the week of Constitution Day as Celebrate Freedom Week in Texas public schools.
Constitution Day ensures that the September 17, 1787, signing of the Constitution is commemorated in schools receiving federal funding. Public Law 108-447, Section 111(b) states, "Each educational institution that receives federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution” (http://www2.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/other/2005-2/052405b.html). When September 17 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, Constitution Day shall be held during the preceding or following week.
Constitution Day is the culmination of Celebrate Freedom Week which ensures that Texas public school students are educated “about the sacrifices made for freedom in the founding of this country and the values on which the country was founded” (http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/ED/htm/ED.29.htm#29.907).
The USDE and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) do not endorse any particular program or website, but districts may find a large number of free and potentially useful resources on the internet.
Please contact Rosemary Morrow, Director of Social Studies, at 512-463-9581 or rosemary.morrow@tea.state.tx.us with any questions you may have regarding Celebrate Freedom Week or Constitution Day.
Sincerely,
Lizzette Reynolds
Deputy Commissioner
Statewide Policy & Programs
