Crazy Horse history class upgrades to 2.0

THE OPENING SESSION of “Mountains of History 2.0: Teaching American History through the Black Hills” was held Saturday, Feb. 23. Crazy Horse Education Director Donovin Sprague, one of the instructors, said a record-high 48 teachers registered for the course. 

The project is a collaborative effort of Crazy Horse Memorial, Black Hills State University, Chiesman Foundation for Democracy, Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Technology and Innovations in Education (TIE). Crazy Horse Memorial also co-sponsored the first Mountains of History graduate courses that were offered 2004-2007.

Mountains of History 2.0 aims to provide a high-quality professional development program that will improve the level of content knowledge for history teachers in western South Dakota. The gained knowledge will help improve history education for elementary and secondary students.

The participants in the program are history teachers in grades 4, 5, 8 and 11. During the sessions they assume the role of historian, analyze primary source documents, participate in seminars and field trips and explore effective strategies for teaching American history. 

“The program is unique because of the ‘power of place,’ studying American history from historic memorial landmarks” said Sprague.  He further stated, “It is also unique because of the level of university graduate study, along with professional field study offered for students.” 

Mrs. Ruth Ziolkowski, President and CEO of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, said officials were excited to be part of the continuing education program. “History and education are two fundamental components of the Memorial, so we are delighted to host the Mountains of History program. What a wonderful opportunity for teachers to learn history firsthand and take it back to students in the classroom.” 

The sessions will continue June 16-17 at Crazy Horse Memorial, with site visits to Fort Robinson, Neb., and Wounded Knee on June 18-19, and project presentations on June 25. Participants also are expected to complete initial online course modules by May 3, 2008, and then continue with class assignments via the Internet.

For additional information, contact Donovin Sprague at (605) 673.4681 or e-mail Donovin.Sprague@crazyhorse.org.