PRINTER'S NO. 1586
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
297
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY MURT, BIZZARRO, BOBACK, V. BROWN, CALTAGIRONE,
CHARLTON, SCHLEGEL CULVER, DiGIROLAMO, DONATUCCI, DRISCOLL,
FREEMAN, HELM, HENNESSEY, HILL-EVANS, KINSEY, LONGIETTI,
MACKENZIE, MARSICO, MATZIE, McNEILL, MILLARD, MILNE, O'BRIEN,
PASHINSKI, QUIGLEY, READSHAW, ROEBUCK, SAINATO, STAATS,
TOOHIL, WARD, WARREN AND WATSON, APRIL 27, 2017
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
APRIL 27, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Designating May 13, 2017, as "National History Day in
Pennsylvania."
WHEREAS, "National History Day in Pennsylvania" is the
Commonwealth's component of a national, year-long, classroom-
based program that engages students in hands-on historical
research and exploration; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 12,000 students participate on an
annual basis with the support of their school peers, teachers
and parents; and
WHEREAS, After competing successfully at the local and
regional contests, more than 1,100 students, teachers, parents
and family members will gather on this date for the 2017
"National History Day in Pennsylvania" State contest; and
WHEREAS, The winners of the State contest will comprise the
Pennsylvania delegation to the national contest at the
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University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, from June 11
through June 15, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 120 community volunteers donate their
time as judges and staff for the State contest, and there are
more than 650 volunteers for the regional contests on an annual
basis; and
WHEREAS, The Army Heritage Center Foundation, which is
recognized as an educational improvement organization by the
Department of Education, provides Statewide oversight and
management of the Commonwealth's program and contest; and
WHEREAS, "National History Day in Pennsylvania" is recognized
as an innovative educational program by the Pennsylvania
Department of Education; and
WHEREAS, "National History Day in Pennsylvania" is
represented throughout this Commonwealth by 12 regional
affiliates that coordinate activities in 57 counties across this
Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, The regional affiliates are Edinboro University of
Pennsylvania, Misericordia University, Westminster College,
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Central Intermediate Unit
#10, Jim Thorpe High School, the Heinz History Center, Messiah
College, the Chester County Historical Society, the Bucks County
Historical Society, the East Petersburg Lions Club and the
National Archives Mid-Atlantic Region; and
WHEREAS, The "National History Day in Pennsylvania" program
is a 2011 recipient of the National Humanities Medal and is
endorsed by the American Association for State and Local
History, the American Historical Association, the Federation of
State Humanities Councils, the National Association of Secondary
School Principals, the National Center for History in the
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Schools, the National Council for History Education, the
National Council for the Social Studies, the Organization of
American Historians and the Society of American Archivists; and
WHEREAS, A 2010 study by Rockman, et al, shows that National
History Day students outperform their peers on standardized
achievement tests, are better writers, develop better critical
thinking skills and learn 21st century skills; and
WHEREAS, Students who participate in "National History Day in
Pennsylvania" are better prepared for college and careers;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate May 13,
2017, as "National History Day in Pennsylvania" and encourage
students, teachers and other residents of this Commonwealth to
participate in the "National History Day in Pennsylvania"
program.
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