Pilot Program
The Big History Project pilot program is designed to help us improve and refine all aspects of the course while developing the capacity for teachers and schools to incorporate a new curriculum and content delivery platform. To that end, we place schools and teachers at the center of the pilot program. The pilot program is also generating activities and lesson plans that will be incorporated, as appropriate, and passed along to future BHP teachers. We're effectively creating our own community of collective learning.
Our pilot participants include a wide range of student profiles and types of schools (rural, urban, size) so that we can better understand how big history can ultimately best serve students across a range of learning environments.
The pilot program has three phases that ultimately lead to free course access to everyone everywhere in the world. Here's how the plan is shaping up:
United States: In Aug/Sept of 2011, five US high schools rolled out the BHP course with the foundational curriculum and content. Pilot schools were selected based on a number of factors including teacher and administrative support for the course, geographic location, and student demographics. Looking to Fall 2012, we have 45 schools scheduled to teach big history to about 2200 students.
Australia: The 2012 Australian small pilot program launched January 2012. At this point, we are seeking expressions of interest from schools and educators to participate in the 2013 large pilot program.
2012/13 Pilot Program: If you would like to join our 2012/13 pilot program, please reach out. Our priority for this wave of the program will be on networks and districts that can ultimately scale the program to multiple schools.
Financial Support
Our goal is to ensure that big history is taught effectively with no cost to pilot schools. To that end, the Big History Project provides direct support to pilot schools to offset the cost of deploying a new program. The amount and approach varies by school based on commitment and need.
The actual courseware is available online and accessed by a login. The courseware should all be accessible on any standard computer, no special hardware or software is required.
Most importantly, a spirit of partnership imbues everything we do. Our singular goal is to get big history in the hands of educators and students. The course is still being developed and we see the teachers as our most important influencers in helping to improve and fine-tune the course. Therefore, it is our promise to listen, collaborate and support each pilot school accordingly.
Join the Big History Project family
Longer-term plans for school engagement and public access continue to evolve. Email info@bighistoryproject.com to express your interest. Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with the project developments and participate in our dialogue.
FAQ
To learn more, download the FAQ.
