Hillsdale College Relaunches K-12 American History and Civics Curriculum Website
Interactive flipbooks and a new online course featuring model lessons provide ideas and tools for teachers.
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College is relaunching its Hillsdale K-12 History and Civics Curriculum website with updated materials, additional resources, and a new online course providing professional development for teachers. Created by Hillsdale College professors and K-12 teachers, the curriculum is available at no cost for all who wish to learn.
“According to Abraham Lincoln and our nation’s founders, American citizenship requires us to understand the Founding and the history to which it gave rise,” said Kathleen O’Toole, assistant provost for K-12 education. “Our task is to understand what is true, and we cannot do that without learning our history and reckoning with the serious arguments that have shaped our past.”
“Our task is to understand what is true.”
The curriculum was created by Hillsdale College professors and K-12 teachers at Hillsdale-affiliated schools, reflecting the teaching that happens in Hillsdale classrooms. To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary this year, it has been made accessible through a new website and at no cost to teachers, homeschool parents, and anyone who wishes to learn.
Based on primary sources and biographies, the curriculum presents the history of America as one cohesive story. It includes content topics, suggested readings, key points, discussion questions, sample assignments, and more. Each unit is accompanied by downloadable resources, including maps, images, primary source documents, and interactive flip books.
“This curriculum was created by teachers for teachers,” O’Toole said. “It is designed to offer practical resources and tried-and-true guidance while preserving room for the judgment and knowledge each teacher brings to the classroom.”
“This curriculum was created by teachers for teachers.”
The curriculum is divided into four grade bands, which teachers can adapt to fit the needs of their students. It can be downloaded by unit and grade level or purchased in print from Hillsdale’s online store.
A new online masterclass accompanying the updated website offers over four hours of practical guidance and professional development for teachers, including tools and ideas for using the curriculum and model lessons from each grade band.
- Hillsdale K-12 American History and Civics Curriculum
- Photos of Hillsdale College
- High-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo
About Hillsdale K-12 Education
The Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office supports school administrators, teachers, and parents with the educational and organizational resources they need to educate the nation’s youth in the liberal arts and sciences, with instruction in moral character and civic virtue. The Barney Charter School Initiative (BCSI), part of the College’s K-12 efforts, promotes the founding of classical charter schools and excellence in their teaching and operations. The K-12 Education Office works with over schools across the country, providing liberal arts curriculum, teacher training, and support for school boards and school leaders. The BCSI is made possible through leadership support from the Barney Family Foundation and gifts from many other friends of Hillsdale College. For more information, visit k12.hillsdale.edu.