Ball State University launches CREATE250: Expanding the Civic Promise for All
The initiative is an expansion of its CREATE initiative, which is led by the university’s Center for Economic and Civic Learning. The expansion brings the civics education to all of the state’s Title I schools.
Ball State University is launching an expanded version of its successful CREATE initiative, titled CREATE250: Expanding the Civic Promise for All. The U.S. Department of Education awarded the university $1.76 million that it will use to educate teachers throughout Indiana’s Title I schools as a means of enhancing K-12 civics education, particularly focused on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
According to an article on Ball State University’s website, Dr. David J. Roof, who serves as the principal investigator of the grant project and the director of the Center for Economic and Civic Learning, was quoted as saying, “CREATE250 will help Indiana educators bring America’s founding ideals to life for every student, especially in schools with the fewest resources. We’ve seen exceptional learning gains in our partner district; now we’ll scale those results statewide and mark America250 with hands-on civic learning that builds knowledge, belonging, and agency.”
CREATE250 will serve as a continuing professional development program for K-12 educators in the state’s Title I schools. Teachers will participate in summer academies, seminars, field studies, communities of practice, microcredential opportunities, mentoring, and cross-district resource sharing.
Dr. Anand R. Marri, who serves as the grant’s co-principal investigator and as the university’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, said, “Teachers tell us they need rigorous content, practical tools, and a supportive network. CREATE250 delivers all three—primary-source study of the founding documents, deliberative pedagogy, and year-round communities of practice—so high-quality civics becomes part of the fabric of Indiana’s schools.”
As the nation’s 250th anniversary is fast approaching, CREATE250 is centered around the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Federalist Papers. Students will participate in mock elections, civic-inquiry projects, museum and archival learning experiences, and a statewide America250 showcase.
For more information about Ball State University, visit the school’s website.