Frequently Asked Questions / Sample Pages
Fasttrack to America's Past

  


coverQ:  What is Fasttrack to America's Past?

A:  Fasttrack to America's Past is a 250 page learning guide / workbook that makes American history classes more productive and engaging for students and teachers alike.  
   This comprehensive resource helps students build a solid framework of knowledge and skills as they explore U.S. history.  Its eight units are organized chronologically from 1400 to the present, and it closely tracks topics included in national history standards.
   Each unit includes maps, timelines, statistical data, and topic summary pages for students to complete and work with.  Each unit also includes selections from primary sources that open the door to thoughtful exploration of important themes in America's story.  


Q:  What academic skills does the book emphasize?

A:  Fasttrack to America's Past emphasizes active student engagement in:

  • developing a vocabulary of essential names, terms, and concepts.
  • developing geographic and map making skills.
  • developing skills for analyzing primary source documents.
  • developing skills for analyzing authentic statistical data.
  • developing higher level thinking skills and historical perspective.
  • developing skills for using technology in historical studies.
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Q:  Tell me more!

A:  Fasttrack to America's Past is ideal for any year-long American history survey course in grades 8 - 12.  It is especially useful in schools that are interested in moving from a textbook / lecture approach to a more engaging mix of instructional techniques.  It encourages teachers to use team / group learning activities to complete pages, research information, and discuss primary source readings.  Teachers and students alike find that Fasttrack to America's Past encourages a wide exploration of topics while still providing a common framework of essential historical knowledge.  

 

 - 70,000 copies in print -

    
Q:  What about cost?

A:  Fasttrack to America's Past costs about one-tenth the price of a typical textbook.  We keep the price very low because because our commitment is to student success in history, and because it is important that each student has his or her own copy to complete.  That creates a sense of ownership of the subject as the student steadily completes the pages during the year.  Many students, at the end of the year, will ask to keep their copy.  When was the last time a student asked to keep their textbook?

See the "Prices and Ordering" page for more information. 

Q:  What support is available for teachers and students using the book?

A:  Our free Internet support site has many resources for teachers and students to use.  Completed versions of the book's maps, timelines, and charts are all easy to access from the home page.  There is also a glossary of names and terms, a full set of multiple-choice practice tests, and a set of links to interesting Internet historical sites.  The Teacher Guide & Key section can also be reached from the home page. 
   A set of overhead transparency maps matched to the map pages in Fasttrack to America's Past is available, as is a printed set of keys to the timelines.  Both are recommended for classroom use if you do not have access to a computer lab or an LCD projector to display the completed maps and timelines from the Internet site.

Q:  May we buy Fasttrack to America's Past and photocopy pages to hand out to the students? 

A:  Fasttrack to America's Past is designed as a consumable, and priced so that schools can afford to provide each student with his or her own copy to complete.  You may not photocopy pages from the book. 


Q:  May we download and use the completed maps, timelines, charts, PowerPoint presentations, and other resources on the Internet support site?

A:  Many of the resources on the Internet site are available for free download and use by teachers in their own classrooms, as well as by students.  Please see the copyright information on the page with the specific material you would like to use.


Q:  How can I get more information?

A:  Please contact our office in Springfield, Virginia, by phone at:  (703)  644 - 4612, or by email at:  ftm.contact@verizon.net