The Social Sciences are a crucial component of K-12 education. A functioning democracy depends on the civic engagement of its citizens. The Social Studies curriculum prepares students to be informed, knowledgeable, and active citizens throughout their lives. The ability to acquire and process information, understand events in context, communicate ideas and opinions that are supported by facts, and participate in the civic process are characteristics of successful and productive members of our society.

With its historic passage in April 2021, the Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History (TEAACH) Act amended Illinois School Code, ensuring that every public elementary and high school student in Illinois learns about the contributions of Asian Americans to the economic, cultural, social, and political development of the United States.

Currently, U-46 is meeting most of this requirement in High School US History's unit 9.  However, upcoming changes to Middle School courses will include a specific unit on Asian American History in Illinois and the Midwest.  Additionally, we are looking for ways to incorporate components of the TEAACH Act into select K-6 units in the future.

Teachers looking to get ahead of these upcoming units or learn more about Asian American History in Illinois are invited to participate in a series of 3 FREE Professional Development modules from the University of Illinois totalling up to 36 PD Hours (valid with ISBE - but not for U-46 Professional Credit).  

Teachers completing all 36 hours can receive a microcredential from the ISBE.

Anyone interested can learn more and sign up here.