Massachusetts Schools Encouraged To Join The National Census 2000 Campaign

Malden - Massachusetts Commissioner of Education David P. Driscoll has proclaimed the week of March 13-17 as 'Teach Census in the Schools Week.'

Hundreds of thousands of teachers in schools across the country are taking part in the national initiative sponsored by the U.S. Census Bureau. Free Census 2000 teaching kits are available for grades K-4, 5-8, and 9-12. Free Census 2000 teaching kits contain materials designed to bring the census alive in the classroom and include lessons related to math, geography, social studies, and language arts curricula.

Commissioner Driscoll said, "For Census 2000, the U.S. Census Bureau has launched a national campaign to ensure that everyone is counted, especially children. Massachusetts is joining other states across the nation to highlight the Census 2000 education initiative, and I encourage all schools to participate."

According to the Census 2000 campaign, legislators use the data from the decennial census to determine allocation of funds for programs that impact education, health care, transportation, and other programs. Without an accurate count communities and school districts are impacted, not only for the next year, but for the next 10 years. An accurate count can mean equitable funding for school districts.

Educators can order their teaching materials by calling 1-800-296-5923 or visiting the website.