The Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies is collaborating with the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) to create new ways for teachers and students to access Smithsonian collections and experts. The purpose of the collaboration is to enrich classroom instruction for all students.

Together the Council and the Smithsonian have agreed to launch several initiatives:

• Train CCSSO’s Teachers of the Year from all 50 states and territories on how to access and use Smithsonian resources; the teachers then will serve as Smithsonian ambassadors, making presentations about Smithsonian resources in their respective states
• Align more than 1,300 educational products to standards in all 50 states and make them readily accessible online; products include lesson plans, Web sites, and student games and activities
• Bring state curriculum and assessment specialists to Washington to work with Smithsonian collections and researchers; together they will enrich classroom teaching with digitized images of primary sources, stories of discovery and data from actual fieldwork
• Bring exemplary teachers to the Smithsonian to serve as experts in residence and to work with Smithsonian curators and educators on educational programs

“The mission of the Smithsonian has always been twofold—the increase and diffusion of knowledge,” said Sheila Burke, the Smithsonian’s deputy secretary and chief operating officer. “By taking our world-renowned art, history and science collections and research into schools across the nation, we can bring their studies to life. Working so closely with teachers across the country also will enrich Smithsonian educational resources by making sure they meet the needs of today’s students.”

“Smithsonian scientists have discovered ancient clues that may shape modern thinking on global warming, brought to life the story of endangered species and discovered a strange new planet,” said David Evans, the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for Science. “These discoveries can spark students’ own questions and investigations in the classroom. I know firsthand, that many of the Smithsonian’s scientists had their interest ignited by visiting a museum or meeting a scientist. We want students, wherever they live and whatever their interests or abilities to have these same life-changing opportunities.”

The Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies provides leadership in education at the Smithsonian and works to increase its impact as a national educational organization. For more information, visit www.smithsonianeducation.org.