Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Teacher FAQ
Is this site free to use?
Yes! This site is completely free to use for both students and educators.
What equipment and materials do I need?
Why do teachers have to create a login?
Without a login for teachers, we have no way of tracking usage information. We ask for a minimal amount of information: name, email address, zip code, and grade level (or other). We will not give or sell the information to any third party, but we may occasionally send you updates or curriculum information. Students do not need to create a login.
How do teachers know which curriculum standards the lessons fulfill?
What grade level and reading level was this created for?
Generally, this curriculum is best suited for high school and college students. Teachers will want to adjust the expectations and assignments according to grade level. An example is that each lesson includes source material information and reference sources. The primary source detail would be more relevant to a student on the advanced range of the spectrum. Conversely, most of the videos can be easily comprehended by middle school students.
Who funded this curriculum? Are there ads?
Is it necessary for teachers and students to have seen “Norman Mineta and His Legacy: An American Story” to maximally benefit from this curriculum?
How should I use the videos in the curriculum?
The use of the videos and accompanying discussion questions is up to the teacher’s discretion. In creating the videos, our intent was to bring diverse perspectives into the classroom. Many of the interviewees are students in high school and college who share their personal experiences and opinions. Some videos feature high-profile political leaders, such as former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton (yes, we did interview them for the film and this curriculum). Other interviewees bring a unique perspective to the subject matter, such as Japanese Americans who were imprisoned during World War II and talk about the Civil Liberties Act in the lesson Justice & Reconciliation.
Can this curriculum be used for distance learning?
“What Does It Mean To Be An American?” was originally intended to be a classroom-based curriculum that relied on the internet. But it can just as easily be used in online learning situations, including those caused by the current coronavirus pandemic. In most cases, there is little to no adaptation needed on the teacher’s part.
May other people besides teachers use the resources in this curriculum?
Are there plans to create a similar curriculum for younger students?
Not at this time.
If I have additional questions, how can I get answers?
Please feel free to contact us via the Contact page or email info@tobeamericans.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need more help?
If you have any questions about the curriculum or specific components, feel free to share your questions or comments with us.