Welcome to the Center for the Advancement of American History!

The Center has two major roles, one of which is to administer federally funded Teaching American History Grants, the other to support the History Department and Education Department in the preparation of Social Studies and History Education pre-service teachers.

To date, the Center has operated three very successful grants, one of which concluded in 2005, and two of which will wrap up in the fall of 2008. As a result of these projects and staff participation in State and National workshops and conferences, we have built a rather large community of educators dedicated to enhancing the quality of history instruction in the state of Oklahoma.

Mission

Our most recent grant project, Beyond Textbooks, Beyond Lectures, Beyond Expectations is a three-year project funded through the U. S. Department of Education Teaching American History Grant Program.

The goal of the project is to extend and nurture a dynamic learning and teaching community in the eastern half of Oklahoma that will become an important part of the local, regional, and state resources necessary to dramatically and effectively improve the quality of American history instruction.

Staff

Front Row, Left to right: Mitchelle Barton, Kevin Lynch, Linda Reese
Back Row, Left to right: Brad Clampitt, Richard Cooper, Tom Cowger

Classroom and Library

CAAH Library and Classroom
Room 243 Horace Mann

The Center for Advancement of American History was established in 2002 through funding from a Teaching American History Grant. Since that time the Center has served ECU community and area by promoting best practices in the learning and teaching of American history.

The Center has added a "state-of-the art" classroom for professional development workshops, history colloquia, and other activities. The facility provides the latest technology and a comfortable meeting place for groups up to 30. With live video connection, Center staff can share presentations with teachers and students unable to come to campus, and educators from around the state and nation can participate in enrichment activities held at East Central University.

The Center for Advancement of American History library contains a collection of over 1000 resources, including print, video, and audio materials, focusing on American history, geography, and government. Area teachers, as well as ECU students and faculty, can utilize the collection to prepare lessons and research various content areas. Computers and video and audio viewing and recording equipment are available for use. Center staff members can provide assistance with organizing and composing multimedia presentations. A conference room with "Smart - Board" technology is available for meetings and small classes.