The Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) program at the University of California, Davis is funded by a grant from the Library of Congress to the California History-Social Science Project. Our programs helps K-12 teachers use the Library’s digitized primary sources to engage students, develop their critical thinking skills, and deepen their understanding of the past.
Programs and Events. Using the digital collection of primary sources from the Library of Congress as the basis of a series of presentations, the CHSSP offers a customized course of study for K-12 educators designed to enrich classroom instruction through the expanded use of primary sources, improved student understanding of the process of historical investigation, and enhanced student reading comprehension and writing ability. TPS-UC Davis professional development is free of charge throughout California. Visit our event calendar for upcoming workshops. *New in 2023 is our Sources of Justice in Films program. Register here.
Primary Source Sets. The CHSSP has curated a collection of primary source sets that feature sources from the Library of Congress, organized by grade level and aligned to California’s History-Social Science Framework. Check out our Homeschool Page to view and download these sets.
Background. The Library of Congress, the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution, is the world’s preeminent reservoir of knowledge, providing unparalleled integrated resources to Congress and the American people. Founded in 1800, the Library seeks to further human understanding and wisdom by providing access to its magnificent collections that record American history and creativity - and universal human knowledge more broadly - in almost all formats and in hundreds of languages.
Mission. The mission of the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) program is to: build awareness of the Library's educational initiatives; provide content that promotes the effective educational use of the Library's resources; and offer access to and promote sustained use of the Library's educational resources. The Library achieves this mission through collaborations between the Library and the K-12 educational community across the United States. The program contributes to the quality of education by helping teachers use the Library's digitized primary sources to engage students, develop their critical thinking skills and construct knowledge. Learn more about the Library's TPS program and other resources available to teachers at www.loc.gov/teachers.
*Content created and featured in partnership with the TPS program does not indicate an endorsement by the Library of Congress.