I am the social studies supervisor for the largest school system in our state. I have been fortunate to have been involved with the National Flag Foundation whose mission is to provide eduacational resources to teach patriotic education. The NFF developed resource that we have become most acquainted with is the Young Patriots, an internet based multimedia program that is research based and historically based. It beautifully compliments our social studies curriculum and textbooks. As a curriculum supervisor, I saw Young Patriots as an opportunity to provide a valuable resource for our teachers that not only teaches social studies concepts but technology skills, cognitive skills, and character education. We have provided Young Patriots along with training to all of our 21 middle schools and 30 of our 63 elementary schools. I am convinced that if we as educators succeed at teaching our students respectful, responsible citizenship who have pride in their country, that not only benefits the student population but the community as a whole. Everyone benefits...which is the ultimate purpose of a well-rounded education.
As a long time social studies educator in Southwest Florida I was delighted to make contact with the National Flag Foundation. We have 'adopted' several of their materials for each elementary school in our district and highly recommend their 'U.S. Flag' video to fellow educators. Their 'Young Patriots' website is another great resource for civic-minded parents and teachers. These resources present a great deal of history and biographical data to children in an exciting and enthusiastic way.
The National Flag Foundation is one a few non-profit organizations that is producing sophisticated, high quality online teaching tools aimed at creating enriching educational experiences for children in the United States. These web-based educational resources, such as Young Patriots, are at the forefront of international education. The organization is forward thinking and committed to the process of creating a broad understanding of US history, the role and significance of the flag, and has taken a real leadership position in the teaching of civics as a byproduct of sophisticated, well-developed teaching technologies.
Argentine Productions had the privilege of working with the National Flag Foundation in the production of two DVDs for the Young Patriots Educational Series in 2005: Cool Voting and Citizen Quest. The conception and production of the videos went very well and it was a very productive and enjoyable process. While they expressed their vision and concept for the videos, they were also very receptive to our ideas, which made the end results rewarding for both parties. We developed a great collaborative relationship with their organization and hope to work with them again in the future.
Clark Rogers with the NFF has helped us significantly in training teachers in Mobile County regarding the Young Patriots Program. Clark has provided very professional and courteous attention. Each time I have contacted the NFF, my questions have been answered in a way that has made me comment to others, "I feel as though I am speaking with a neighbor when I call." We greatly appreciate the work and the important prupose of the NFF.