September Newsletter
Issue 16
I. CREATE News and Updates
- 2024 Civic Learning Symposium
- October Professional Development Session – Project ACCLaIM
- Updates for National History Day in Indiana
- Indiana Bar Foundation Launches Statewide Mock Election Program
- Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. Bella Gaddis
II. Opportunities for Teachers and Students
- Introducing the Civic Badge Program
- Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with “America’s Field Trip”
- Looking Ahead: 2024/2025 School Year
- IPB News Media Literacy Pilot Project
- Featured Destination: The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
III. Upcoming Events
- 2024 Civic Learning Symposium
IV. Featured Resource
- ACCLaIM: Advancing Civics Curriculum Learning through Instructional Microcredentials
CREATE News and Updates
2024 Civic Learning Symposium: Register Now!
This year’s Annual Civic Learning Symposium promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring two inspiring speakers who will challenge and motivate us to explore new ways of enhancing civic participation and fostering democratic practices in our communities. With a focus on Education, Dialogue, & Deliberation in Our Democracy, this year’s symposium will tackle the pressing need for open, constructive 
conversations in our schools and broader society.
Muncie Teachers: Attend and Receive a $260 Stipend and 8 Professional Growth Points.
See the schedule here
Event Details:
With only one week left, now is the time to secure your spot. Visit the Event Website for more information and to register today. Let’s come together to strengthen the foundations of our democracy through education, dialogue, and deliberation.
Register Now
October Professional Development Session – Project ACCLaIM
Project ACCLaIM: Advancing Civics Curriculum Learning through Instructional Microcredentials
We invite all teachers, students, and faculty to participate in our upcoming professional development session for Project ACCLaIM, focusing on enhancing civics curriculum learning through instructional microcredentials. This session offers an exciting opportunity to learn more about 
integrating American history, civics, and media literacy into K-12 education through a comprehensive microcredential program.
Event Details:
Register Here
Why Participate? Project ACCLaIM provides professional development for K–12 teachers in the areas of American history, civics, and media literacy through a microcredential program. A microcredential, as defined by the National Education Association, is a “short, competency-based recognition that allows an educator to demonstrate mastery in a particular area.”
Updates for National History Day in Indiana
We have a few important updates and reminders for National History Day in Indiana participants and educators. Please review the following information to ensure you’re up 
to date with the latest announcements.
Start of Year Information – Last month the Indiana History Center made available their start of year information, which included information about the regional contests, classroom visits, and contest updates.
State Contest Date – The State Contest in 2025 will be held on April 26th at Marian University. The Website will be updated soon with this date and registration information. Please reach out if you have any questions!
Teacher Outreach – Do you know any teachers who might be interested in participating in National History Day in Indiana but haven’t joined yet?
Participation Survey – We want to better understand how National History Day in Indiana is being used throughout the state. If you haven’t already, please take a few minutes
to complete our Participation Survey. Your feedback is invaluable to us!
Classroom Visit Request Form – Interested in having the Indiana Historical Society visit your classroom? Please fill out the Classroom Visit Request Form. We are already booking visits, so make sure to submit your request at least two weeks in advance.
If you haven’t already subscribed to the Indiana Educator Connection, our monthly newsletter for educators, click the link to sign up. Stay updated on resources and opportunities offered by the Indiana Historical Society!
Indiana Bar Foundation Launches Statewide Mock Election Program
The Indiana Bar Foundation is excited to announce the launch of the Indiana Kids Election (IKE), a new initiative aimed at teaching students about the voting process by participating in a mock election. Starting today, Indiana teachers can register their classes to take part in this comprehensive program, designed to help students understand the critical role 
of voting in our democracy.
“As a leading advocate for improving civic education, we look forward to partnering with teachers and school districts across the state ahead of the election in November,” said Charles Dunlap, President & CEO of the Indiana Bar Foundation. “By engaging students in the voting process at a young age, we hope to inspire them to build a habit of voting into adulthood.”
Following the success of the initial pilot of the Indiana Kids Election in 2022, which saw participation from 22 schools, the Foundation is now expanding the program statewide. This initiative aligns with the state’s requirements for civic education and is designed to be an engaging way for students to learn about elections and the democratic process.
The Indiana Bar Foundation will provide educators with unique, teacher-created lesson plans focused on elections. Additionally, teachers who register will have access to an online voting simulation platform where students can experience voting firsthand. The mock election’s 2024 ballot will feature presidential candidates as well as candidates for governor, senate, and attorney general for Indiana.
Grant Support and Expansion – This program has been made possible thanks to a generous grant from Eli Lilly and Company Foundation. As a nonprofit organization, the Indiana Bar Foundation remains committed to expanding opportunities for civic education and participation for students across the state.
For more information and to register your class for the Indiana Kids Election program, please visit the official page: Indiana Kids Election.
Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. Bella Gaddis
Education has always come naturally to Mrs. Bella Gaddis. Growing up in Venezuela, she watched her mother, a dedicated elementary school teacher, shape the minds of young learners. This early exposure to the power of teaching led Bella to pursue a career initially in law, earning a master’s degree and 
working as the equivalent of a state’s attorney. But her passion for helping others and the desire to positively impact students drew her back to education, where she began teaching law at the university level. Bella’s transition into teaching has been nothing short of inspiring.
“I am extremely passionate about teaching,” she says. “Teaching inspires me and allows me to positively impact and transform students. Having that feedback from the kids, whom I can learn and teach at the same time, is amazing. I don’t see it as a job, but as a lifelong passion that I enjoy.”
Mrs. Gaddis participated in the 2024 Summer Civic Learning Academy (SCLA), hosted by the Center for Economic and Civic Learning at Ball State, and part of the CREATE project aimed at enhancing civics education. The SCLA, designed to deepen educators’ understanding of civics, government, and history, resonated with Bella’s passion for teaching.
“SCLA opened the doors to the study of civics, American history, and government policies,” she explains. “It taught me in a practical way, through excellent qualified moderators and speakers, about American history and government. I learned various strategies on how to implement these lessons and 
their importance to students.”
Now, as the 7th-grade Social Studies teacher at Northside Middle School, selected by Professor Kelsey Pavelka, Bella is excited to apply what she learned at SCLA in her classroom. She is confident that the knowledge gained from the academy will transform how she teaches American history and government.
“SCLA made the path easier and more enjoyable for me to teach my Social Studies students. What I learned in the SCLA CREATE course made teaching Social Studies a joy. I recommend all teachers take these courses. They help educate you on ways to convey information to your students, while also helping in your professional development and significantly improving your teaching skills.”
Mrs. Gaddis exemplifies passion, dedication, and commitment to education. Her journey from Venezuela to the classroom in Muncie, and her experiences in Muncie, reflect the transformative power of teaching and the lifelong impact educators can have on their students.
We are grateful to Mrs. Gaddis for her continued work in shaping the next generation of informed, engaged citizens.
II.Opportunities for Teachers and Students
Introducing the Civic Badge Program
Badge Name: Civic Learning Award – Excellence in Civic Education
Description: This badge is awarded to dedicated educators who have demonstrated excellence in teaching civic education, inspiring the next generation of responsible and engaged citizens. It represents the commitment of educators to impart civic knowledge, uphold democratic values, and empower students to be responsible citizens. The design combines elements of knowledge, enlightenment, and achievement, which are central to the field of civic education.
Award Criteria:
Submission Process:
Deadlines for Submission: December 15th and August 15th.
Method of Submission: Educators should submit documentation of professional development, and brief reflection by email to djroof@bsu.edu or to CECL@bsu.edu
Selection Process: A panel will review submissions. Award recipients will be chosen based on the thoroughness of their application, the impact of their civic education initiatives, and their demonstrated commitment to fostering civic engagement among students.
Recognition: Award recipients will be recognized at the annual Civic Learning Symposium. They will receive the Civic Learning Award – Excellence in Civic Education, which they can display proudly in their professional setting or on digital platforms.
We will present the Logo and Badge Design in the coming weeks.
Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary
with “America’s Field Trip” Contest!
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, young voices are being invited to reflect on a critical question: What does America mean to you? This question is at the heart of the America’s Field Trip contest, which invites students in grades 
3–12 to share their thoughts and visions of the country as we commemorate this historic milestone.
Hosted in anticipation of the Semiquincentennial celebration, the contest seeks to inspire the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators to engage in a dialogue about what America represents. By sharing their perspectives through writing or artwork, students have the opportunity to not only reflect on the values, history, and future of the United States but also earn a chance to embark on an unforgettable journey to some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks.
The prompt for this contest asks students to consider the meaning of America from their own unique perspectives. Whether inspired by personal experience, family history, or the nation’s rich cultural diversity, young participants are encouraged to creatively express their thoughts through essays, poetry, or original artwork.
This open-ended prompt invites students to explore themes such as freedom, opportunity, diversity, and democracy — foundational ideals that shape the American identity. How do these concepts resonate with today’s youth, and how might they envision the country’s future as we look ahead to the next 250 years?
Winners of the America’s Field Trip contest will have the opportunity to experience the richness of America’s history and culture in an extraordinary way. The contest will award 25 first-place winners from each grade category a 3-day, 2-night field trip for themselves and a chaperone to one of the country’s historic and cultural treasures. These trips include:
A behind-the-scenes tour of the National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center and a sleepover at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington, DC:
And many more. From the halls of the Smithsonian to the rugged beauty of national parks, these trips will offer students a once-in-a-lifetime experience to engage directly with the history and culture that has shaped the nation.
In addition to the exciting field trip opportunities, the contest also provides additional rewards:
Teachers of top-scoring students in each grade category will receive a $1,000 cash prize for their guidance and support. This contest is not only an opportunity for students to share their vision of America but also a way to honor educators who foster a deep appreciation of the country’s history and civic values.
For more information on how to submit, visit the website and join us in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary!
Looking Ahead: 2024/2025 School Year
We have an exciting lineup of events and opportunities for the upcoming school year:
Civic Trips and Activities: We encourage you to plan civic trips to historical sites and local government institutions. 
CREATE can provide funding to support these trips to provide students with real-world experiences that complement classroom learning.
Monthly Paid Professional Development: Teachers will have access to monthly professional development sessions focused on civics education. These sessions will provide valuable insights, strategies, and resources to enhance classroom instruction.
Community Engagement Opportunities: We’ll be working closely with local organizations to create civic engagement opportunities for students, including participation in community service projects.
Resource Expansion: Our ongoing commitment is to expand the resources available to teachers, ensuring they have the support they need to successfully integrate civics education into their curricula.
IPB News Media Literacy Pilot Project
The Indiana Public Broadcasting News (IPB News) team created a pilot project called News Literacy for Indiana High Schools, delivered by journalists. During the 2023-24 school year, we launched this project with presentations primarily for high school social studies and government classes.
The topics covered include bias, fact-checking, and how news teams function. Some sessions also integrate discussions on the First Amendment, how stories can change after publication, cultural influences on news, and how journalists negotiate language and sensationalism. In a time of increasingly divided social bubbles and rampant misinformation, their goal is to contribute to the resources educators have on hand to equip students with the skills to be informed citizens.
Importance and Benefits
Recent research has found that high school students often struggle to distinguish news stories from ads, trust unreliable websites, and are susceptible to social media posts spreading 
disinformation. Teens and young adults under 30 are also less capable than older adults at identifying false headlines, and the more time someone spends online recreationally, the less likely they are to discern real news from misinformation.
Students today are deeply connected to the frequently evolving media landscape. They are both consumers and creators on social media, where much of their news consumption happens. News, particularly local news, is critical for staying informed and engaged with the community. It’s more important than ever to teach critical thinking skills to help students effectively process the information they encounter on these platforms.
The guide outlines the many benefits of media literacy for students and highlights connections to state curriculum and employability standards. It also includes customizable tools and resources for use in the classroom, applicable to students of all age groups.
Many community members rarely have the chance to interact with journalists. The IPB News team is working to change that by being responsive to community needs through this initiative and others. If you would like to connect with us for feedback, help with crafting classroom activities, or scheduling presentations, please scroll to the bottom of the page for contact information.
State Standards and Curriculum Integration
Many organizations are pushing for state legislatures, including Indiana, to pass policies that increase media literacy in classrooms. Teachers have found that students exposed to media literacy strategies across subjects become better at critical thinking skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
The activities and presentations also meet interdisciplinary employability skills standards. Additionally, many media literacy principles are included in elementary social studies curriculum, such as distinguishing between fact and fiction, analyzing primary sources, exploring public issues, and practicing responsible citizenship.
If you’re interested in learning more or scheduling a media literacy presentation for your classroom, please visit the website and contact IPR.
Featured Destination: The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
Are you looking for a destination that brings history to life and offers engaging experiences for both educators and students? Look no further than the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center! This historic gem, located in the heart of Indianapolis, provides an inspiring setting for learning, exploration, and discovery.
The Indiana History Center is home to the Indiana Historical Society and offers an array of exhibitions and interactive experiences designed to connect people with the state’s rich history. 
Whether you’re planning a school trip or a personal visit, the center has something to offer every educator looking to bring history into the classroom.
What You Can Do at the Indiana History Center:
Explore Exhibits: From interactive displays to immersive experiences like the You Are There exhibits, your students can walk through history, engaging with live interpreters and period-accurate settings.
Attend Special Events: Throughout the year, the History Center hosts numerous events including lectures, workshops, and family programs 
that allow visitors to dive deeper into specific historical themes.
Professional Development: Educators can participate in teacher-focused events or workshops designed to support historical education in your classroom.
Plan Your Visit: Planning to visit the Indiana History Center? You can find admission tickets and register for events directly on their calendar page. Whether you’re looking to explore with your class or attend a special lecture, the calendar will help you find the perfect opportunity.
Don’t Miss Out!The Indiana History Center is not just a museum—it’s a hub of learning and inspiration for all ages. Be sure to visit their calendar page for upcoming events, ticket information, and registration details.
To plan you trip, visit the following website!
III.Upcoming Events
The 2024 Annual Civics Symposium 2024
This year, Annual Civic Learning Symposium welcomes two keynote speakers who will inspire attendees to explore innovative ways of enhancing civic participation and foster democratic practices in their communities.
Muncie Teachers: Register For Free and Receive a Stipend ($260) and 8 Professional Growth Points
EDUCATION, DIALOGUE, & DELIBERATION IN OUR DEMOCRACY
The central theme for the 2024 Annual Civic Learning Symposium revolves around the crucial role that dialogue and deliberation play in both our educational system and our democracy. In an era marked by polarization and division, fostering open, constructive dialogue and thoughtful deliberation is more important than ever. This theme emphasizes the need to build bridges across diverse perspectives, promote understanding, and cultivate a culture of civic agency.
- Date & Time: September 27th: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM & September 28th: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Location: Ball State L.A. Pittenger Student Center
- Dress Code: Casual attire is encouraged for all participants to ensure a comfortable learning experience.
- Accommodations: For those requiring overnight stays, we recommend booking rooms at the Ball State Hotel
- Meals Provided: Dinner on Friday, September 27th & Lunch on Saturday, September 28th
Please see the Event Website for more information and updates.
Featured Speakers:
September 27th, Freeman A. Hrabowski, III: President Emeritus of UMBC was named in 2012 by President Obama to chair the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans and was named the inaugural Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture Speaker by Harvard. In April 2023, The National Academy of Sciences awarded him the Public Welfare Medal, the Academy’s most prestigious award.
September 28th, Harry Boyte: With a history of service that spansfrom working directly with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to advising national initiatives on civic renewal, Boyte’s contributions to the field of civic engagement are both profound and far-reaching.
We are proud and honored to announce co-sponsorship of the 2024 Annual Civic Learning Symposium by the Indiana Bar Foundation, the Center on Representative Government at Indiana University, and the Remnant Trust. Their generous support underscores the significance of civic learning and engagement in today’s society and contributes greatly to the enrichment of our symposium.
IV.Featured Resources
Project ACCLaIM – Advancing Civics Education with Microcredentials
As educators and policymakers grapple with declining student scores in civics and history, the importance of effective civics instruction is more critical than ever. Recent reports from the National Assessment of Educational Progress and the Rand Corp. highlight a troubling trend: 
the sidelining of civic development as a central priority in schools. Coupled with the rising tide of misinformation, there is an urgent need for educators trained in integrating media literacy into their teaching of civics and history.
The Challenge In 2022, the National Assessment of Educational Progress reported a decline in average student scores in civics for the first time, a trend echoed in related subjects such as history. The 2023 Rand Corp. study further emphasized that many school districts have gradually de-emphasized students’ civic development over the past few decades. These findings have sparked renewed attention on the need for robust social studies and civics education. In today’s world, where misinformation proliferates easily, equipping teachers with the skills to teach media literacy alongside civics and history is paramount.
The Approach Enter Project ACCLaIM: Advancing Civics Curriculum Learning through Instructional Microcredentials. This innovative program focuses on professional development for K–12 teachers, providing them with a comprehensive microcredential program in American history, civics, and media literacy. A microcredential, as defined by the National Education Association, is a “short, competency-based recognition that allows an educator to demonstrate mastery in a particular area.”
Project Outcomes
Specialization Development: The project will develop a civics, history, and media literacy specialization comprising nine one-credit, online professional learning courses.
Competency Assessments: Microcredential competency assessments will be created for each course, ensuring educators demonstrate mastery.
Professional Development: Teachers will have access to professional development opportunities designed to enhance their instructional skills.
Mentorship Program: An online mentorship program called the Professional Learning Network will be established, allowing teachers to connect with ASU faculty for ongoing support, resource sharing, and collaboration even after completing the specialization.
Project ACCLaIM is currently offering FREE microcredentials in civics, history, and media literacy.
Learn More and Sign Up Here
CREATE Information
CREATE can support MCS teachers. If you have questions or to recommend additional Professional Development events, please email CREATE@bsu.edu.
To stay informed of the latest resources and opportunities, sign up for CREATE’s email list.
Visit the CREATE Website.
CREATE is grateful for the support of the U.S. Department of Education.
