Today, U.S. Department of Education (the Department) Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education Dr. David Barker visited Billings West High School in Billings, Montana as part of the Department’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.
Assistant Secretary Barker was joined by Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen and eight hundred students in ninth through twelfth grades who participated in interactive games designed to deepen their understanding of American history and civics and the important role Montana has played in our nation’s history. The event opened with remarks from Superintendent Hedalen, followed by Assistant Secretary Barker.
“Under the Big Sky in Montana, you get a clear sense of just how much ground this country has covered and how much possibility still stretches ahead,” said U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education Dr. David Barker. “History Rocks! helps students connect that feeling to the American story, showing them that it is not finished and that they have a say in where it goes next.”
Additionlly, the Department’sSenior Advisor for Civic Education Katie Gorka visited Tulsa Classical Academy in Tulsa, Oklahoma on the History Rocks! Tour today. One hundred fifty students in seventh through tenth grades explored themes of civic engagement, patriotism, and the shared responsibilities of citizenship. The event opened with remarks from Headmaster Ronald Garcia, followed by Senior Advisor Gorka.
“In Oklahoma, history is not something you have to search for,” said U.S. Department of Education Senior Advisor for Civic Education Katie Gorka. “History Rocks! brings the Sooner State’s layers of history together for students, helping them see how the past still shapes the choices and opportunities in front of them today.”
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.