Constitution Day

   The United States Assistant Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Improvement has announced that, pursuant to legislation passed by Congress, educational institutions receiving federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education are required to hold an educational program pertaining to the United States Constitution on September 17 of each year, commemorating the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. For purposes of the U.S. Department of Education’s implementation of this requirement, “educational institutions” includes, but is not limited to, “local educational agencies” and “institutions of higher education” receiving federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education.

Celebrate Freedom Week

   Pursuant to Act 682 of 2003 and Ark. Code Ann. § 6-16-101, Arkansas public schools must observe Celebrate Freedom Week during the last full week of classes in September (September 20– September 24). This law was created to educate students about the sacrifices made for freedom and the values on which this country was founded. During Celebrate Freedom Week, all social studies classes shall include instruction to help students focus on the freedoms offered in the United States of America. Suggested topics of study are included in the text of Act 682, but the curriculum is left up to individual school districts.

  Arkansas law and resources, which may assist educators in preparing for Constitution Day and Celebrate Freedom Week, are contained in the attachments and are also available on the Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) website. Attachments include valuable resources and links to support schools and educators implementing these requirements.

  Resources Document

  A C A § 6-16-101