Houston Independent School District proposes to create staff development opportunities for new and experienced U.S. history teachers, primarily those at the middle school and high school levels. Teachers will learn deeper history content and a large number of instructional techniques. The project will encourage networking and sharing among teachers. The district's partners (Rice University, University of Houston, and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation) will help to create learning environments for teachers that leave them far stronger in both history content and classroom practice. These newly trained teachers will assist students in meeting state history standards as measured on the statewide assessment test.