The U.S. Department of Education has proposed patriotic education as its fifth priority among supplemental criteria for discretionary grant funding. The proposal emphasizes civics and history instruction in advance of the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon made the announcement on Constitution Day, calling for teaching that highlights founding principles, political institutions and progress toward national ideals.
Under the proposal patriotic education would present U.S. history in an honest, accurate manner while also emphasizing unifying and uplifting themes, according to federal officials. The framework would include deeper study of founding documents, the role of faith and how the nation has worked to ensure constitutional protections extend to more Americans. The department’s goal is to foster civic knowledge, responsibility and informed patriotism.
The initiative coincides with the launch of the America 250 Civics Coalition, a group of more than 40 organizations working to develop educational programming for schools and universities ahead of the semiquincentennial. The department has proposed more than $160 million for American history and civics grants, with some priority for colleges and universities focused on constitutional studies and civic thought.
Supporters say the effort will strengthen students’ understanding of American history and values and respond to longstanding gaps in civics education. Department officials have suggested that a national civics mandate could help ensure more students achieve proficiency in the subject.
The notice proposing the patriotic education priority is open for public comment. Once the comment period ends, the department will publish final grant priorities that will shape future funding competitions.
Eligible applicants may include states, education agencies, nonprofit organizations engaged in education or teacher training, and colleges or universities. Applicants will be evaluated on how well their proposals align with patriotic education goals, the quality of program design and evaluation plans, and other factors specified in each grant competition.
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