Constitution Day
The United States
Department of Education has announced that, pursuant to legislation passed by
Congress, educational institutions receiving federal funds for a fiscal year
are required to hold an educational program about the U.S. Constitution for its
students, commemorating the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17,
1787. For purposes of the U.S. Department of Education’s implementation of this
requirement, “educational institutions” includes, but is not limited to, “local
educational agencies” and “institutions of higher education” receiving federal
funding from the U.S. Department of Education.
Celebrate Freedom Week
Pursuant to Act 682 of
2003 and Ark. Code Ann. § 6-16-101, Arkansas public schools must observe
Celebrate Freedom Week during the last full week of classes in September
(September 26 – September 30). This law was created to educate students about
the sacrifices made for freedom and the values on which this country was
founded. During Celebrate Freedom Week, all social studies classes shall
include instruction to help students focus on the freedoms offered in the
United States of America. Suggested topics of study are included in the text of
Act 682, but the curriculum is left up to individual school districts.
Arkansas law and
resources, which may assist educators in preparing for Constitution Day and
Celebrate Freedom Week, are contained in the attachments and are also available
on the Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary
Education (DESE) website. Attachments include valuable resources and links to
support schools and educators implementing these requirements.
U.S. Constitution Tour at
Crystal Bridges is Underway
DESE is proud to
announce the U.S. Constitution Tour. Crystal Bridges Museum has an original
copy of the U.S. Constitution as well as other important historical U.S.
documents on display until January 2, 2023. Tickets to this event are free, but
visitors must reserve seats on the Crystal Bridges website. DESE will help to
commemorate this momentous occasion by providing Arkansas teachers, students,
and community members with resources to support engagement around this
opportunity.
DESE is inviting each
school or district to signal their commitment to promote and celebrate this
momentous event by completing this form. Information provided will ensure
schools receive the most up to date information from DESE regarding the U.S.
Constitution Tour.
By completing this form,
your district/school commits to the following:
o Celebrate Constitution Day and Freedom Week during
the month of September with planned activities (A.C.A. § 6-16-101)
o Promote the U.S.
Constitution Tour by providing information to families and community members
o Integrate lessons
supporting the acquisition of knowledge about the U.S. Constitution across all
grade levels
o Showcase Constitution
Day activities using #ARConstitutionTour
Based on this agreement
to lead the U.S. Constitution Tour, DESE commits to the following:
o Donate a copy of A
Visual Reference for Everything You Need to Know: An Infographic Guide to
American Government by Carissa Lytle and Jara Kern to elementary
libraries
o Donate a poster copy
of the U.S. Constitution to high schools
o Develop and provide
promotional materials to highlight events for schools and communities
o Provide professional
learning opportunities to support teachers
o Provide information
about opportunities for field trips to Crystal Bridges to see the U.S.
Constitution and virtual field trips through William J. Clinton Presidential
Library & Museum’s partnership with the National Archives
The DESE has also
developed a website with resources for schools,
teachers, families, and communities. These resources will include information
on visiting the exhibit, interactive websites, book lists, and classroom and
community resources. DESE looks forward to students and families across the
state taking advantage of this incredible opportunity!