Study on 9/11 Education

Summary#

This bill directs the Secretary of Education, working with the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, to study how States, local educational agencies (LEAs), and public elementary and secondary schools teach students about the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The study must begin no later than 180 days after the law is enacted and must examine all States, a nationally representative sample of LEAs, and a representative sample of public schools.

The study must find whether 9/11 education is required or optional in the places studied. It must identify each State's standards and local requirements and summarize how those standards are being put into practice. The study must look for whether there is a central place that collects and shares 9/11 curricula and materials, whether teacher training on 9/11 is available for new and current teachers, and whether museums and cultural centers (informal educational organizations) help with teaching. The study must assess challenges or gaps that limit teaching about 9/11 and list training or resources educators need.

The study must describe intended learning outcomes for 9/11 units and identify teaching methods that work. Examples listed in the bill include class discussion; activities outside the classroom and experiential learning with organizations like museums; project-based learning; developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed materials; and integrating 9/11 lessons across subjects. The study will identify instructional materials used, including primary sources, and will identify how schools assess student learning about 9/11, including knowledge of the events and the ability to identify and analyze terrorism in historical and contemporary contexts. After the study is complete, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress no later than the earlier of 180 days after completion or three years after enactment.

The bill defines key terms. It uses the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) meanings for terms such as State, local educational agency, elementary school, and secondary school. It defines "9/11 education" to mean activities intended to improve awareness and understanding of 9/11, teach lessons of 9/11 to raise awareness about preventing terrorism, and study the history of terrorism. It also defines project based learning.

What it means for you#

  • If you work in a State education agency, an LEA, or a public elementary or secondary school, your state or district may be included in the study. The bill requires representative samples, so some schools and agencies will be asked about their curricula, materials, training, and assessment practices.
  • Teachers could see an examination of available professional development and teaching materials for 9/11. The study looks for gaps and needed resources, which may be reported to Congress.
  • Museums and cultural centers may be identified as partners or informal educational organizations involved in teaching about 9/11.
  • Students and families may indirectly be affected later if the study leads to changes, but the bill itself only requires a study and a report.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on funding amounts or specific federal costs for conducting the study is provided in the bill text.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information in the bill text about proponents' stated views or detailed reasons for sponsoring the bill.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information in the bill text about opponents' stated views or objections.